Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Alcubilla de las Penas, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can inform your outdoor activities and help you protect yourself from harmful UV radiation, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks. With a Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers and a significant risk of UV exposure, it's important to stay informed about the daily UV index patterns—especially as it often reaches levels of 10 and 11 around noon and early afternoon. Safeguarding your skin is a small effort with big rewards in ensuring long-term health and comfort while enjoying the beautiful Spanish sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, starting at a modest 1 by 07:00 and steadily climbing to a peak of 11 between 14:00 and 15:00. This surge highlights the importance of staying protected under the sun, especially from 12:00 to 15:00, when the index exceeds 8—a strong indicator of harmful UV exposure. After this midday peak, the index gradually declines, settling back to 4 by 18:00 and dipping to 2 by 19:00. Those planning outdoor activities should take precautions during the most intense hours when the sun's rays are the strongest, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels experience significant fluctuations, with the high-risk months ranging from March to September. During these months, especially in April and May, the UV Index rises to 8 and 10, indicating very high levels that can lead to skin damage. June and July peak at an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating extra caution. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, particularly when the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of December and January present lower UV levels, with indices of 2 and 3, allowing for more extended safe sun exposure of up to 45 minutes. Be vigilant about UV exposure, especially as the seasons change.
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 |
| Alcubilla de las Penas | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |