Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Margalef, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate presents both beautiful sunny days and potential sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday hours, awareness of these UV readings is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Margalef's climate, characterized by dry summers, can intensify these UV levels, making it crucial to monitor the index and take necessary precautions. Stay informed to enjoy the sun while protecting yourself from harmful effects!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, but the real intensity begins at 10:00, reaching 4. A dramatic surge occurs by 11:00, where it skyrockets to 7, and by 12:00, it reaches a blazing 9. The highest point comes at 13:00 with a 10, before peaking at 14:00 with an impressive 11. The afternoon shows a slight decline, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and easing to 8 by 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV levels fall further to 6 at 17:00, 3 at 18:00, and finishing the day at a milder 2 by 19:00. This day's UV journey highlights the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday peak!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
| Margalef | 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 |