Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hontanaya, Spain is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Mediterranean climate (Csa), residents are exposed to UV radiation that can quickly escalate, reaching levels as high as 10 during peak hours. Knowledge of UV levels empowers you to take necessary precautions—such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing—especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the risk is greatest. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful Spanish sun!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases its gradual rise, peaking during the midday sun. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 09:00, signaling the onset of more vibrant sunlight. The intensity escalates, hitting 4 by 10:00, and then surging to 6 at 11:00. 12:00 marks a pivotal moment as the UV Index reaches 8, intensifying even further to a striking 10 from 13:00 to 15:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently dips, falling to 8 at 16:00, 6 by 17:00, and tapering off to 4 at 18:00, before retreating to a moderate 2 by 19:00. This hourly portrait invites us to embrace the sun's warmth wisely, reminding us to prioritize protection during the peak hours when the UV Index soars.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring in the summer months of June and July, where the index reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11 respectively, necessitating only 10 minutes of exposure before risk of burns increases. Notably, April through September marks a period of very high to extreme UV levels, with May peaking at a UV Index of 10. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly from March onwards, as the risk escalates rapidly; sunscreen application, protective clothing, and avoidance of direct sunlight during midday hours are strongly advised. Conversely, the winter months of December through February present a lower risk, with moderate UV levels, allowing for more extended outdoor activities with proper protection.
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 |
| Hontanaya | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |