Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Barbara, Spain, where the sun shines brightly under a Mediterranean climate. With UV levels often peaking between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, reaching as high as 11, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities the region has to offer while safeguarding yourself against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Stay informed and make the most of your sunny days in this picturesque locale!
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 |
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 |
| Santa Barbara | 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 |