Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall skin health. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Known for its pleasant Csb climate, Santa Cruz enjoys ample sunshine, but this also translates to elevated UV exposure—particularly around midday when levels peak at a striking 12. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can make smarter choices for sun protection and enjoy all the beautiful outdoor activities this vibrant locale has to offer.
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 |
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 |