Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Soto de la Vega, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday hours, awareness is key for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As sun-sensitive individuals navigate outdoor activities, knowing how to interpret these UV levels becomes essential in safeguarding against skin damage. Given Soto de la Vega's blend of sunny days and moderate temperatures, being informed about UV risks ensures a safe and enjoyable experience under the Spanish sun.
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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring during the spring and summer months. From March to September, the UV Index consistently remains at high to extreme levels, with the most critical months being June and July, where the UV Index peaks at 11 and 10, respectively. During these periods, the recommended burn times are notably short, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, indicating a high likelihood of skin damage with unprotected exposure. Conversely, the winter months of January and December present low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer sun exposure (up to 45 minutes) without significant risk. To protect against harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents are advised to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August.
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 |
| Soto de la Vega | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 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 |