Last updated: July 2, 2025
In el Catllar, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Catalonian climate while keeping your health in check. With a Mediterranean climate that often brings intense sunlight, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, residents and visitors alike must stay informed about daily UV index fluctuations. This awareness empowers you to take proactive measures, whether it's wearing sunscreen or seeking shade, to safeguard your skin against the high UV risks typical of this region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and peaking at 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signifies a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, urging folks to seek shade and slather on the sunscreen. Hours 10:00 and 11:00 see a sharp increase to 4 and 6, while midday brings the highest intensity at 8 and 10, marking a crucial time for sun safety. As afternoon transitions to evening, the index gradually declines, offering some relief, landing at 3 by 18:00. By nightfall, the risk wanes, falling back to 2. Remember, keeping aware of this UV trend is vital for staying safe 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 | 10 | 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 | 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 |
el Catllar | 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 |