Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sant Pol de Mar, a charming coastal town in Spain, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding the levels of UV radiation throughout the day can help you safeguard against harmful effects, especially during peak hours when the index soars to 9 around midday. With a Cfb climate that features mild summers, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of their sun exposure, particularly during the hot months when UV risks are higher. Enjoy the sun responsibly by keeping an eye on the UV Index—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index starts off mild at 1 during the early hours, peaking at 9 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the sun's intensity is at its strongest during this period, urging everyone to take necessary precautions. As the sun begins to set, the index gradually declines, dropping back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Notably, the hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM are critical, where the UV Index climbs to 6 and above. For optimal safety during this sunny day, be sure to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing during peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the potential for skin damage due to sun exposure. From January to March, the UV levels are moderate, with an index ranging from 3 to 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into April and May, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 8 in May and marked as very high, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of June and July are particularly concerning, maintaining a UV Index of 10, signifying extreme exposure risk. Even August remains high at 9, before tapering off in September and October to a high of 7 and 6, respectively, where burn times increase back to 25 minutes. The winter months of November and December see much lower UV levels, with indices of 3 and 2 and extended burn times of 30 and 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to August, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize sun damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sant Pol de Mar | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| 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 |