Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz de Bezana, Spain, a charming coastal town known for its moderate Cfb climate. With peak UV levels soaring to an alarming 10 during midday, it’s essential to recognize the risks associated with sun exposure, including painful sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By staying informed about the daily UV fluctuations—from a mild 1 early in the morning to the intense 9 and 10 in the afternoon—everyone can take proactive measures to protect their skin, enjoy outdoor activities safely, and embrace the vibrant sunlit environment of this beautiful region.
The UV Index for the day starts off mild, with values of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM, indicating that sun protection is not yet a priority. As the morning progresses, the index gradually rises, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM and 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, where the UV Index escalates to 5, marking the beginning of elevated sun exposure. By noon, the index spikes to 7, and peaks at 10 by 2:00 PM, signaling a period of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon shifts, values begin to taper off, dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM, then easing to 4 by 6:00 PM, and finally closing the day at 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | 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, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant fluctuations in the UV Index. The months of May through August are particularly high-risk, with UV Index values reaching a peak of 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV exposure is strongest. March and April also show increased risk with UV Index values of 6 and 7 respectively. Conversely, January and December present lower risk levels, with UV Index values of 2 indicating low exposure and longer potential burn times of 45 minutes. It is essential to monitor UV levels year-round and adjust sun protection strategies accordingly to ensure safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Bezana | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |