Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Estables, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from harmful sun exposure. With the highest UV levels typically occurring between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, understanding how to gauge UV intensity can help prevent painful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Nestled within a Cfb climate zone, Estables enjoys mild temperatures that can often lead to increased UV exposure, even on seemingly cloudy days. Staying informed about local UV levels is key to enjoying the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily, starting at a mild 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM. By 9 AM, it reaches 2, hinting at the day ahead. The intensity spikes dramatically as we approach midday, peaking at a striking 11 from 1 PM to 3 PM—an indicator of potentially harmful UV exposure. Peak UV intensity occurs at 12 PM, registering 9 and 11 at 1 PM, clearly urging precaution. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to drop, falling to 6 by 5 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7 PM. This dynamic pattern underscores the importance of sun safety measures, especially during those crucial midday 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | 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 levels experience significant fluctuations, with the high-risk months ranging from March to September. During these months, especially in April and May, the UV Index rises to 8 and 10, indicating very high levels that can lead to skin damage. June and July peak at an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating extra caution. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, particularly when the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of December and January present lower UV levels, with indices of 2 and 3, allowing for more extended safe sun exposure of up to 45 minutes. Be vigilant about UV exposure, especially as the seasons change.
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 |
| Estables | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |