Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Puigcerda, Spain is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's potentially harmful rays. As you enjoy the beauty of this charming Alpine town, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain optimal skin health. With a climate that features mild summers and high UV exposure—particularly in the peak hours around noon—it's essential to stay informed about the UV Index fluctuations throughout the day. From a maximum of 1 in the early morning to a peak of 11 in the afternoon, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting yourself from UV damage while enjoying the outdoors.
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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, creating varying exposure risks for individuals. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, with the highest readings occurring in June and July, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 11, classified as extreme. During these months, the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. March marks the transition to higher UV levels, with an index of 6, while September and October drop back to high and moderate levels, respectively. Ultimately, staying informed about UV levels can help safeguard health year-round.
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 |
| 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 |
| Puigcerda | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |