Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the vibrant city of Barca, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for both locals and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and promoting skin health, especially as the sun's intensity can soar throughout the day. Barca's Cfb climate brings mild winters and warm summers, but during peak hours, the UV Index can reach alarming heights—topping out at 11 around midday. It's vital to stay informed about these levels to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.
The UV Index shows a dramatic upward trend as the morning progresses, starting from a manageable 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it rises to 2, but the real climb begins around 10:00 AM with a sharp increase to 4. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where the index soars to a maximum of 11—a strong reminder of the sun’s intensity during midday. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to drop, falling back to 9 by 4:00 PM and gently decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day where sun protection is essential from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and embrace the sun wisely!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 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 |
| Barca | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |