Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Martin de Montalban, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a region known for its Mediterranean climate. With peak UV readings reaching 11 during the summer months, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. By knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the sunny delights of this beautiful town while safeguarding your skin.
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 |
| San Martin de Montalban | 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 |