Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the beautiful coastal town of Sant Carles de la Rapita, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health, especially under the Mediterranean sun. With a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and typical peak UV values reaching up to 9 during midday hours, it's important to stay informed about UV risks to protect your skin while enjoying the sun-soaked lifestyle Sant Carles has to offer. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning surroundings, being UV-aware is your best defense against harmful rays.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic and intense sun exposure. Starting off with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, it quickly rises to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak intensity from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, hitting a scorching 9 during the hottest hours. As the afternoon wanes, the UV index gradually declines to 7 by 4:00 PM, then further to 5 at 5:00 PM, and eventually settling at a more manageable 2 by 7:00 PM. To stay safe and protect your skin, it's crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen, especially during those midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to September. During this period, UV levels rise, reaching a peak in June with an extreme index of 11 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, January and February see moderate levels (UV Index 3 and 4) and longer burn times of 30 minutes. As the season progresses, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high UV days in April (8), May (9), July (10), and August (9), where it’s crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, offering more moderate levels in October and lower risks in the winter months, allowing for safer outdoor activity.
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 |
| Sant Carles de la Rapita | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |