Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sorihuela, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate brings sunny days and elevated UV exposure. With the midday UV levels peaking at a significant 11, awareness of these values is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health. The UV Index not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also in protecting against long-term skin damage. In Sorihuela, where summer temperatures soar, being informed about UV risks can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely.
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 |
| Sorihuela | 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 |