Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hontanar, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for everyone looking to enjoy the sunny outdoors while safeguarding their skin. Understanding UV levels helps prevent painful sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin health issues. With Hontanar's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and considerable UV exposure, it’s essential to stay aware of the daily UV readings. As the UV Index often peaks around midday, reaching levels of 11 at 2 PM, knowing when and how to protect yourself can make all the difference for your skin's health and overall well-being. Stay informed and enjoy your time under the sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM and maintaining that level until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, signaling the need for light protection. However, from 11:00 AM onward, the intensity ramps up significantly, peaking at an intense 11 by 2:00 PM. This hour marks the highest point of the day, urging everyone to take extra precautions against harmful UV rays. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, settling to a comfortable 4 by 6:00 PM and diminishing to a final 2 by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of the sun's power during peak hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, increasing notably during the spring and summer months. March marks the beginning of higher UV exposure with an Index of 6, categorizing it as high, while April and May see a sharp rise to 9 and 10 in the very high range. The peak months for UV exposure are June and July, both reaching an extreme Index of 11, necessitating careful sun protection. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels gradually decrease, with August at 10 and September at 8 in the very high category. By October, the UV Index drops to 7, and returns to more moderate levels by November and December, with values of 4 and 3 respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of April through September, implementing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when the sun's intensity is at its peak.
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 |
| Hontanar | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |