Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Barcelona is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the UV levels can help prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and promote overall skin health. With Barcelona's Mediterranean climate, residents and visitors must stay vigilant, especially during peak hours when the UV Index soars to 10 between noon and 2 PM. This means significant sun exposure risks are present, making it vital to check the UV Index regularly and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index today shows a striking rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually increases to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sunshine peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, reaching a robust 4, before soaring to its highest point of 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the index slightly dips but remains notable at 9 until 3:00 PM. The day transitions into the evening with values gently falling to 3 by 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that protecting your skin during the midday hours—especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—is essential for safety in the sun.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the potential for skin damage due to sun exposure. From January to March, the UV levels are moderate, with an index ranging from 3 to 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into April and May, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 8 in May and marked as very high, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of June and July are particularly concerning, maintaining a UV Index of 10, signifying extreme exposure risk. Even August remains high at 9, before tapering off in September and October to a high of 7 and 6, respectively, where burn times increase back to 25 minutes. The winter months of November and December see much lower UV levels, with indices of 3 and 2 and extended burn times of 30 and 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to August, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize sun damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |