Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Castilfrio de la Sierra, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the hot summer months. The dynamic UV levels in this mountain climate can soar, peaking at 10 around midday. Understanding these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, protecting themselves from harmful UV radiation. With the typical Cfb climate offering both sunny days and heightened UV exposure risks, it's essential to stay informed and enjoy outdoor activities safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal exposure risk. It climbs steadily through the morning, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM and 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits at 12:00 PM, where the index peaks at a striking 8. During the height of the afternoon, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the UV Index reaches its maximum of 10, signaling a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the levels gradually decline, settling back to 3 by 6:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is most potent.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels typically occurring during the summer months of June and July, where the index reaches an extreme rating of 11 and burn time reduces to 10 minutes. Notably, April and May also present very high exposure risks, with indices of 9 and 10 respectively, resulting in a burn time of only 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious between March and September, as this period marks the transition from moderate to high-risk levels, with exposure becoming critical in the late spring and summer. It is advisable to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours. During the winter months, particularly December, the UV Index drops to 2, indicating low levels of exposure, allowing for longer safe sun exposure times of 45 minutes. Always stay informed of daily UV forecasts to protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Castilfrio de la Sierra | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 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 |