Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Tossa de Mar, Spain, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin while enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean sun. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making it essential to monitor these levels throughout the day. With a Csa climate that showcases warm summers, Tossa de Mar typically experiences peak UV exposure around midday, when the index can reach as high as 10. By being aware of the UV Index and adapting your sun protection strategies accordingly, you can embrace the sun safely and make the most of your time in this stunning coastal paradise.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, beginning with a minimal UVI of 1 at 07:00, and gradually rising as the sun ascends. By 10:00, it reaches 4, signaling a shift towards higher exposure, and by 12:00, it peaks at an impressive 8. Among the highest readings, 13:00 and 14:00 hit a scorching 10, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decline, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further declining to 5 at 17:00. As evening approaches, the UVI diminishes to 3 at 18:00, and concludes with a gentle 2 at 19:00. This pattern underscores the importance of vigilance against UV exposure as midday approaches, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions when the sun is at its strongest.
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tossa 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 |