Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Castrillo de Onielo, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate can amplify sun exposure risks. As UV levels can soar to a high of 10 during the midday hours, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With the typical climate zone classified as Csb, basking in the sun can be enjoyable, yet it's important to recognize that even moderate UV exposure can lead to long-term skin issues. Stay informed about the UV Index, and make sun safety a priority to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without compromising your skin's well-being.
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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (3-4), allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. However, as we move into March, the index spikes to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk months that peak during the summer. In April and May, the index rises to very high levels (8-10), reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. The extreme levels (11) in June and July necessitate even greater caution, permitting only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. August and September continue to pose risks with very high levels (8-10) before tapering off in October. By November and December, the UV Index falls back to moderate and low categories (4-2), allowing longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should remain vigilant, especially from March through September, employing sun protection strategies such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize health risks.
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 |
| Castrillo de Onielo | 3 | 4 | 7 | 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 |