Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your safety while enjoying the sun in Playa de Santiago, Spain. With the region's warm Csa climate, the potential for harmful UV radiation peaks in the midday hours, reaching a maximum of 12 around 2 PM. Awareness of these levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. By being mindful of the daily UV fluctuations, you can take informed precautions and fully relish the beautiful sunny days that Playa de Santiago has to offer while minimizing your risk of UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index dramatically climbs throughout the morning, starting at a mere 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, but things really heat up at 10:00 AM when it reaches 3. The peak of the day arrives around 1:00 PM, when the index hits a sizzling 11, just before maxing out at 12 at 2:00 PM. Afterward, a steady decline ensues, with the index falling to 6 by 5:00 PM and dropping further to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the need for sun protection during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the warmer months. From January (UV Index 5) to February (UV Index 7), conditions gradually worsen, signaling the approach of higher UV exposure. The months of March through September present the highest risk, with UV Index values reaching 12 in May and June, categorizing these months as extreme. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade especially during peak sun hours. As the year progresses into October (UV Index 9) and November (UV Index 7), UV levels begin to decline, allowing for safer outdoor activities in the cooler months of December and January (UV Index 5). Always stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV radiation!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Playa de Santiago | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |