Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Alcaraz, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer, making it crucial for both residents and visitors. With a climate characterized as Csa, Alcaraz experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the index can reach as high as 10. Staying informed about these levels is key to enjoying the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases its gradual rise, peaking during the midday sun. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 09:00, signaling the onset of more vibrant sunlight. The intensity escalates, hitting 4 by 10:00, and then surging to 6 at 11:00. 12:00 marks a pivotal moment as the UV Index reaches 8, intensifying even further to a striking 10 from 13:00 to 15:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently dips, falling to 8 at 16:00, 6 by 17:00, and tapering off to 4 at 18:00, before retreating to a moderate 2 by 19:00. This hourly portrait invites us to embrace the sun's warmth wisely, reminding us to prioritize protection during the peak hours when the UV Index soars.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 exposure significantly fluctuates, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, where the UV Index reaches levels classified as very high to extreme. Notably, June is the peak month with an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring turns to summer, individuals should take extra precautions; wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is highly advisable. Conversely, during the winter months of January and December, the UV Index drops to 3, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes without significant risk. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant in high-index months, especially from March to September, to protect their skin health while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Alcaraz | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |