Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Cuesta, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate can lead to high levels of sun exposure. With UV levels peaking during midday, being aware of these numbers can mean the difference between enjoying the sun and suffering from painful sunburns or long-term skin damage. La Cuesta, characterized by its mild climate, also experiences notable sunny days which increase the risk of UV radiation to sensitive skin. Staying informed about the daily UV Index helps you plan safe outdoor activities and protect your skin health.
The UV Index data tells a compelling story of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching 3 by 10:00. By 12:00, the scores soar to an impressive 8, peaking at an intense 11 by 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 17:00 and further to 2 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder of the day's highest UV exposure between 12:00 and 14:00. Always remember to protect your skin 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, seasonal variations in the UV Index indicate a significant shift in sun exposure risks. From January to February, UV levels remain in the moderate category, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring begins in March, the index rises to high, necessitating shorter exposure times of 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April through August, where the index peaks at extreme levels of 11 in June and July, offering burn times as brief as 10 minutes. After this peak, UV levels gradually decline but remain very high until September. As temperatures cool into October and beyond, the risk decreases, with November and December reflecting moderate and low exposure risks respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April, May, June, and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 Cuesta | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |