Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Astorga, Spain is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health under the sun. With Astorga's Mediterranean climate, where warm summers and moderate winters prevail, awareness of UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage, including sunburn and long-term skin conditions. Throughout the day, the UV Index fluctuates, peaking at 10 between 2 PM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are at their most intense. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can enjoy the beauty of Astorga while prioritizing your sun safety.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to creep up, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 2, and soon after, it climbs to 3 at 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits at 11:00 AM, with the index jumping to 5. Noon marks the peak, soaring to 7, and it only intensifies from there. At 1:00 PM, the UV Index spikes to 9, and by 2:00 PM, it reaches a maximum of 10—a critical level warranting sun safety precautions. This intensity holds steady until 3:00 PM, after which the UV Index starts to decline, dropping gradually to 9 by 4:00 PM, then 7 at 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels retreat further, settling at 5 by 6:00 PM, and ending the day with a gentle 3 at 7:00 PM. Remember, the midday sun is the strongest—stay protected!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring during the spring and summer months. From March to September, the UV Index consistently remains at high to extreme levels, with the most critical months being June and July, where the UV Index peaks at 11 and 10, respectively. During these periods, the recommended burn times are notably short, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, indicating a high likelihood of skin damage with unprotected exposure. Conversely, the winter months of January and December present low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer sun exposure (up to 45 minutes) without significant risk. To protect against harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents are advised to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August.
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 |
| Astorga | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |