Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the scenic town of Castro, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing the long-term risk of skin damage and related health issues. With Castro’s Csb climate, characterized by mild summers and a significant amount of sunshine, locals and visitors alike should be mindful of the midday peaks, where UV levels can soar to 11 from 14:00 to 15:00. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by regularly checking the UV Index—the first step to enjoying the beautiful sunlight safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, indicating a safe time for morning activities. However, as the clock ticks towards 10:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling the need for some caution. The intensity peaks spectacularly at 1:00 PM with a maximum of 10, illustrating the power of midday sun, while 2:00 PM reaches an impressive 11—the highest of the day. After this point, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and further down to 5 at 6:00 PM, providing a more moderate sun exposure as afternoon turns to evening. A protective approach is essential during the peak hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM for a safe outdoor experience!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises modestly from 2 to 4, indicating a shift from low to moderate exposure risks. However, as we move into March and April, the UV Index escalates, peaking in June at 11, categorized as extreme exposure, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. July and August maintain very high levels, with an index of 10 and 9 respectively, warranting careful sun protection measures. The risk begins to decline in September and October, but remains notable with values of 8 and 6. High-risk months primarily include April through August, where it’s crucial for visitors and residents to limit sun exposure during peak hours, apply sunscreen regularly, and wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin damage. As the year closes, the UV Index drops back to lower levels, signaling a return to safer conditions in November and December.
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 |
| Castro | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |