Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain, where the Csb climate brings mild temperatures but also exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, as overexposure can lead to serious long-term consequences. With daily UV peaks reaching as high as 12 around midday, it’s important to be informed about the potential risks associated with sun exposure in this beautiful coastal city, ensuring you enjoy all the sun-soaked activities safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 0 at 07:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 08:00, it slowly climbs to 1, still within the minimal risk range. The intensity rises steadily throughout the morning, reaching 2 by 09:00 and hitting 3 at 10:00. As we approach noon, the UV levels surge, peaking at an impressive 12 between 14:00 and 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index starts to drop, returning to 6 by 17:00 and gradually winding down to 2 by sunset at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, highlighting the importance of sun safety during certain months. The high-risk period spans from March to September, during which the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—notably peaking at 12 in May and June. The burn time decreases sharply, particularly in April, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can result in skin damage. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months. In contrast, January and December present a lower risk with moderate UV conditions, where a burn time of 30 minutes provides a buffer for skin protection. Stay informed, and enjoy the sun safely!
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 |
| Santa Cruz de la Palma | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |