Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in the Galapagos, Spain, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health during those sun-soaked days. With UV levels peaking between 10 AM and 3 PM—reaching a high of 11—awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Galapagos' warm Csa climate brings unique exposure risks, making it essential to monitor these levels. By staying informed about UV conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of the islands while keeping your skin safe and healthy!
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the day unfolds. Early morning hours are quite safe, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, peaking at a striking 8, before hitting a blistering 11 at 14:00. For those planning outdoor activities, caution is advised between 12:00 and 15:00, as the UV levels are at their highest, reaching 10 by 13:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, settling at 6 by 17:00, and tapering off to 2 by 19:00. Embrace the morning sunlight safely, but remember to seek shade during those 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |