Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning Galapagos, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa) that features intense sunlight, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach a high of 11, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about sun safety. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital for enjoying the Galapagos sun while keeping your skin healthy.
The UV Index shows a dynamic fluctuation throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 early in the morning (07:00 and 08:00) and gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 09:00. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity escalates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 between 13:00 and 15:00—indicative of a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. After reaching its zenith, the index gracefully tapers off, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and ultimately settling at a more manageable 2 by 19:00. It’s a day that demands attention to sun safety, particularly in the 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 | 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 | 11 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index climbs from 6 in March to a peak of 11 in both June and July, indicating extreme exposure risks and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. April and May also present very high risks, with indices of 9 and 10, respectively. In contrast, the UV Index drops to moderate levels during the winter months, specifically in January, February, and November, with values ranging from 2 to 4, where burn times extend from 30 to 45 minutes. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise extra caution during the high-risk months of April to August, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak sun hours to avoid harmful solar exposure.
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 |
Galapagos | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |