Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alcover, Spain, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching up to 11 during the hottest hours of the day, awareness and preparation can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Alcover's Csa climate offers plenty of sun, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV exposure risks. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing how to adapt your sun safety practices can help ensure your health remains a top priority.
At dawn, the UV Index starts gently, peaking at 1 by 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for early morning strolls. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually increases, reaching 4 by 10:00 and soaring to a striking 9 by noon. The sun reaches its zenith around 13:00, with a blistering 10, and even escalates to an impressive 11 by 14:00—the highest point of the day. As afternoon turns to evening, the index retreats; it dips to 8 by 16:00 and further down to a moderate 3 by 18:00, offering a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. By 19:00, the UV intensity settles at a humble 2, signalling that the sun is winding down, making way for a lovely evening.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk for visitors and residents. The months of April through September are particularly critical, with April peaking at a UV Index of 8 (very high) and June reaching an extreme level of 11. The high-risk months—May, June, and July—demand heightened sun protection, as the burn time during these periods is reduced to just 10-15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of December and January feature lower UV levels, with January's Index at 3 and a burn time of 30 minutes. To stay safe, residents and visitors should wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, especially from April to September.
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 |
| Alcover | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |