Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ames, Spain, being mindful of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays intensify throughout the day, understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a temperate Csb climate, Ames experiences varying UV exposure that peaks during midday, making it essential to stay informed about the potential risks. From early morning to late afternoon, the UV Index can soar, reaching levels that warrant caution. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the beautiful Spanish outdoors by learning when to seek shade or apply sunscreen!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic range throughout the day, starting with a mild 1 at dawn. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily—reaching a moderate 3 by 10:00 AM and peaking at an intense 9 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This spike underscores the importance of sun protection during these hours, when the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is at its highest. As the afternoon gives way to evening, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 4 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. These fluctuations highlight the need for awareness and preparedness, especially during the sun’s peak intensity times. Remember: safety first when enjoying the great outdoors!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |