Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Spain, as it provides critical insight into the intensity of sun exposure throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around midday in this Csa climate zone, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. Given the region’s warm climate and the potential risks associated with high UV exposure, it's important to stay informed and take proactive precautions to enjoy the sunny days safely.
The UV Index today reveals a notable peak in sun intensity, reaching its highest value of 11 at 2 PM and 3 PM. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 7 AM and 8 AM, it gradually escalates, hitting 3 by 10 AM. As midday approaches, the index spikes to 8 at 12 PM, signaling increased sun exposure risks. With 10 at 1 PM, the sun's rays become more formidable, making 2 PM and 3 PM critical times for sun safety. As the afternoon wanes, a decline in UV levels is observed, dropping to 9 by 4 PM, and further decreasing to 4 by 6 PM before settling at 2 by 7 PM. Stay protected and plan your outdoor activities accordingly!
| 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 | 3 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, highlighting the need for heightened awareness during specific months. From January to February, the UV index remains in the moderate category (3-4), allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, March brings a jump to high (UV index 7), and by April, it reaches a very high level (UV index 9) with a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July experience an extreme (UV index 11) and very high index (UV index 10) respectively, demanding caution as burn time decreases to just 10-15 minutes. August and September maintain a very high level, only slightly easing in October with a high index (UV index 6). The year concludes with lower UV levels in November and December (moderate level again), where burn time extends back to 30 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures during high-risk months, particularly from March through September, to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Always use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible during peak UV exposure times.
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 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |