Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone in Zaratan, Spain, where sunny days can lead to significant ultraviolet (UV) exposure. By monitoring UV levels, residents can effectively prevent sunburn and promote better skin health, protecting themselves from long-term damage. Situated in a Csb climate zone, Zaratan experiences a mix of temperate weather, but during peak hours—particularly around midday—the UV Index can soar to hazardous levels of 10. Awareness of these fluctuations helps ensure fun in the sun remains safe and enjoyable!
The UV Index for the day starts off mild, with values of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM, indicating that sun protection is not yet a priority. As the morning progresses, the index gradually rises, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM and 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, where the UV Index escalates to 5, marking the beginning of elevated sun exposure. By noon, the index spikes to 7, and peaks at 10 by 2:00 PM, signaling a period of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon shifts, values begin to taper off, dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM, then easing to 4 by 6:00 PM, and finally closing the day at 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
| Zaratan | 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 |