Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ames, Spain, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sun exposure peaking during the midday hours, understanding these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. Typically cloaked in a Mediterranean climate, Ames experiences a range of UV intensities, especially in the summer months, where indexes can soar to 10 in the early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the sunshine responsibly while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day displays a dynamic progression in intensity. Starting off gently, the index hovers at a comfortable level of 1 from 07:00 to 09:00. However, as the sun climbs higher, we witness a noticeable surge: by 10:00, the level reaches 3, and by 11:00, it escalates to 5. Peak exposure occurs between 12:00 and 15:00, with the index soaring to 7 at noon and hitting a high of 10 by 14:00 and 15:00. Afterward, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 9 by 16:00, and gradually retreating to 3 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the sun’s zenith for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which is crucial for understanding sun exposure risks throughout the year. January and December show the lowest UV levels (Index 2), indicating a low risk of harm, with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, from February to October, UV levels steadily increase, peaking in June at an Index of 10, corresponding to a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV Index remains at 8 or higher, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. September and October see a slight decline, yet caution remains warranted with high levels persisting. From November to February, the risk decreases significantly, though awareness should still be maintained during those transitioning months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 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 |