Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Prado, Spain, where the climate often brings ample sunshine and elevated UV levels. Understanding the UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for protecting long-term skin health. With a Mediterranean climate classified as Csb, Prado experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 12 PM to 3 PM, when the UV Index can soar to a hazardous 10. Knowing the daily UV Index helps you enjoy the beautiful sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, perfect for early risers. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a hint of caution for those venturing outdoors. The intensity ramps up swiftly, peaking at 10 between 14:00 and 15:00, indicating high levels of UV exposure—definitely a time to seek shade and wear protection! As the afternoon wanes, the index gracefully declines, dropping to 4 by 18:00, and settling back to 2 by 19:00. This hourly journey highlights the vital importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when the sun is at its 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 | 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 | 10 | 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 changes in UV Index highlight significant variations in sun exposure risk. January and December see a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, February and March indicate a shift to moderate to high exposure, transitioning to very high levels in April and May with indices reaching 8 and 10 respectively. The peak months of June and July present an extreme UV Index of 11, underscoring the necessity for sun protection, as the burn time drops to 10 minutes. August and September maintain a very high category but begin to taper off, while October reduces to high and November returns to moderate levels. It is crucial for both residents and visitors to note that the high-risk months are from April to September, and during these months, taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade is essential to prevent 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 |
| Prado | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 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 |