Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ceuta, Spain, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health under the region's abundant sunshine. The UV Index provides essential information about sun exposure levels, helping residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of long-term skin damage. Ceuta's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, often presents high UV risks, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 11. By staying informed about UV levels throughout the day, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin protected and healthy.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 1 by 07:00. As the day progresses, it rises steadily, hitting 2 by 08:00 and reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. The intensity ramps up significantly from 10:00, where it soars to 6, and then it continues its climb to a striking 10 at 12:00. The highest point arrives at 13:00 and 14:00, where the UV Index maxes out at 11, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases, settling at 9 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the values dip to 4 at 17:00, and then cool down to 2 by 18:00, before fading to 1 by 19:00 as daylight fades. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during the sunniest hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (3-5), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes is generally safe. However, as spring arrives in March with a jump to high (7), visitors and residents should minimize direct sun exposure to about 25 minutes. The UV Index peaks during the summer months, reaching an extreme level (11) in June, which requires protective measures as burn time reduces to only 10 minutes. July and August remain critical with very high indices (10-9), while September sees sustained high levels as well. The risk declines in October with a high index (7) and further decreases towards the end of the year. It is advisable for everyone to plan outdoor activities strategically during the high-risk months (April through September), utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to protect against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Ceuta | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |