Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alcolea de Calatrava, Spain, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburns and promotes long-term skin health, especially in this Mediterranean climate where sunny days are plentiful. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 12 during the afternoon hours, residents and visitors alike need to take proactive steps to protect themselves. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun responsibly while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly increases, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, but it’s not until 10:00 AM that we see a more noticeable surge to 4. The intensity peaks magnificently at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, and then soars to its highest point of 12 at 2:00 PM. Just after, it stays strong at 11 until 3:00 PM before beginning to taper off. As the day winds down, the UV Index decreases to 4 by 6:00 PM before settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours, particularly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are typically from March to October, with April and May peaking at a very high index of 9 and 10, and reaching an extreme level of 12 in June and July. During these months, the risk of skin damage from sun exposure increases significantly, with recommended burn times decreasing to as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially in the summer months. As the UV levels decline from October to February, while still moderate, it remains important to remain vigilant about sun protection during 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 |
| Alcolea de Calatrava | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |