Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cortegada, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburns but also plays a key role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Cortegada's mild Mediterranean climate (Csb), the risk of high UV exposure is significant, particularly during the midday hours when UV Index readings can soar to 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing their risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 0 by 07:00 and gradually climbs through the morning. By 10:00, it's reached 3, hinting at increasing intensity. The warmth of midday brings the peak UV Index to a striking 10 between 14:00 and 15:00, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the values begin to taper off, settling at 4 by 18:00 and 3 by 19:00. If you're heading outdoors, be sure to take precautions, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, when the index frequently reaches levels of 9 and 10, indicating very high exposure risk. During these months, the burn time is as low as 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. In contrast, the winter months of January and December have a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes without concern. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly diligent about sun safety from March to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. Overall, while UV levels are lower in the colder months, caution is always recommended as conditions can vary.
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 |
| Cortegada | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |