Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ventosa de la Cuesta, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate brings sunny days and varying UV exposure risks. As the UV levels rise, particularly during midday from 12 PM to 3 PM when they peak at 11, awareness of these levels becomes essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful weather while minimizing the risks associated with high UV radiation. Stay enlightened about the UV Index to keep your skin safe under the warm Spanish sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM and maintaining that level until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, signaling the need for light protection. However, from 11:00 AM onward, the intensity ramps up significantly, peaking at an intense 11 by 2:00 PM. This hour marks the highest point of the day, urging everyone to take extra precautions against harmful UV rays. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, settling to a comfortable 4 by 6:00 PM and diminishing to a final 2 by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of the sun's power during peak hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (3-4), allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. However, as we move into March, the index spikes to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk months that peak during the summer. In April and May, the index rises to very high levels (8-10), reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. The extreme levels (11) in June and July necessitate even greater caution, permitting only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. August and September continue to pose risks with very high levels (8-10) before tapering off in October. By November and December, the UV Index falls back to moderate and low categories (4-2), allowing longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should remain vigilant, especially from March through September, employing sun protection strategies such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize health risks.
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 |
| Ventosa de la Cuesta | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |