Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Empuriabrava, Spain, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny summers, residents and visitors must be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day. High UV exposure, especially during midday hours, can lead to severe sunburns and long-term skin damage. From a max UV Index of 10 between 1 PM and 3 PM, the risk is significant, making it essential to seek shade and apply sunscreen during these peak hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Spanish sun while minimizing your health risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, by 09:00, intensity picks up to 3, and a notable climb ensues as the morning progresses. At 10:00, it reaches 4, and by 11:00, the UV Index skyrockets to 7, signaling the need for sun protection. Midday brings the peak hours—by 12:00 and 13:00, it hits a sizzling 9 and a maximum of 10, posing a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day winds down, the UV Index begins to gracefully decline: 9 at 15:00, followed by 7 at 16:00, 5 at 17:00, and finally settling at 3 by 18:00. The sun's fading rays continue to cast a softer light until it drops to 2 by 19:00, wrapping up a day where awareness of UV exposure was key to safe enjoyment of the outdoors.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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 |
During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring between April and August, when the UV Index reaches its peak at 9 to 10, corresponding to a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. May, June, and July are particularly critical, urging both visitors and residents to take extra precautions during outdoor activities. In contrast, January through March and November to December present moderate to low UV Index levels, giving individuals longer burn times before requiring sun protection. To minimize skin damage, it's advisable to wear sunblock, protective clothing, and hats during high UV Index periods, especially in the summer months.
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 |
| Empuriabrava | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |