Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Carnota, Spain, where the sun can be particularly intense. With a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, it's essential to be aware of UV levels to effectively prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. High UV index readings—peaking at 9 during the midday hours—indicate a heightened risk for skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Spanish outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day tells an intriguing story of the sun's intensity. Starting from a cool 0 at 07:00, it gradually rises to 1 by 09:00, signaling the arrival of stronger rays. By 12:00, the index reaches 6, indicating it's time to protect your skin. As we approach the peak, 13:00 and 14:00 mark the highest levels at 8 and 9, respectively, urging caution for sun lovers. The intensity begins to wane after 15:00, dropping back to 7 at 17:00 and gently easing to 3 by 19:00. This daily cycle highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region shows notable variations, with the most significant increases occurring from April to August. These months, encompassing the peak summer season, experience very high UV levels, reaching up to 10 in June. The high-risk months for sun exposure are primarily April through August, where the burn time drastically decreases to just 15 minutes due to increased UV radiation. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during this period by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the UV Index is low in January and December, suggesting much safer sun exposure conditions during these winter months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnota | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 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 |