Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain, is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. With the island's Csb climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of varying UV levels throughout the day. Knowing these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially when UV indices peak around noon, reaching highs of 11 during the summer months. As you explore Santa Cruz de la Palma's stunning landscapes, staying informed about UV exposure risks will help you enjoy the sun responsibly while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.
In the early hours of the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00 and gradually climbing to 3 at 10:00. However, from 11:00 onwards, it soars dramatically, reaching its peak of 11 between 13:00 and 15:00, signaling the highest risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses into the evening, the index slowly declines, dropping to 9 at 16:00 and further to 4 by 18:00. By 19:00, it settles at a mild 2, illustrating the need for sun protection during midday hours while reminding us to enjoy the sun safely throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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 |