Last updated: August 1, 2025
In La Carrera, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Csb climate offering a mix of coastal mildness and sunny days, understanding the UV levels throughout the day can help residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful rays. Between the peak hours of 12 PM and 3 PM, the UV Index reaches alarming levels of 8 to 11, signaling an urgent need for precaution. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity and peak exposure. Starting off gently, the morning hours from 7:00 to 9:00 maintain a low level between 1 and 2. As the sun climbs, the index escalates dramatically, hitting 3 at 10:00 and spiking to a robust 8 by noon. The afternoon sees its zenith at 1:00 PM with a scorching 10, reaching a peak of 11 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM—ideal conditions for sun enthusiasts. However, this high concentration begins a gradual decline, tapering off to 7 by 5:00 PM and sinking further to 2 after 6:00 PM, signaling safer hours for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of overexposure. Remember, sun safety is crucial during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the summer months. January and February present moderate UV levels (Index 3-4), allowing for a burn time of about 30 minutes. As spring arrives in March, the UV Index sharply rises to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk months, with reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak risk months are April to July, where the UV Index reaches 9-11 (very high to extreme), necessitating vigilant sun protection with a burn time as low as 10 minutes in June and July. Conditions remain risky into August and September (UV Index 8-10), before tapering off in October and returning to moderate levels by November and December. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| La Carrera | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |