Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Barbara, Spain, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and preventing sunburn. With the Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and ample sunshine, UV exposure can reach concerning levels, especially during midday hours. As the UV Index often peaks at 10 around noon, being aware of these levels helps you take proactive measures to protect your skin health. By recognizing and respecting the risks associated with high UV periods, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the potential for long-term damage.
The UV Index today shows a striking rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually increases to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sunshine peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, reaching a robust 4, before soaring to its highest point of 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the index slightly dips but remains notable at 9 until 3:00 PM. The day transitions into the evening with values gently falling to 3 by 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that protecting your skin during the midday hours—especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—is essential for safety in the sun.
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
| 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 |