Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Spain, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny summers, residents and visitors face heightened UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels can soar to 11. Awareness of these UV levels empowers individuals to take proactive measures, such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and dressing appropriately to protect their skin. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your health against harmful UV rays.
The UV Index data tells a compelling story of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching 3 by 10:00. By 12:00, the scores soar to an impressive 8, peaking at an intense 11 by 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 17:00 and further to 2 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder of the day's highest UV exposure between 12:00 and 14:00. Always remember to protect your skin 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly affecting sun exposure risk for visitors and residents. January and February experience moderate UV indices (3-4), allowing for a 30-minute burn time. However, by March, the UV index climbs to a high level of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The risk peaks from April to June, with indices hitting a maximum of 12 in June—classified as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. July remains high at 11, followed closely by August (10) and September (8), all in the very high range, necessitating 15-minute burn times during these months. By October, UV levels decrease to 7 (high), and return to moderate indices by November and December (3-4) with a 30-minute burn time. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions, especially during April to September, to minimize skin damage by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Santa Cruz de la Zarza | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |