Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Lugo, Spain, where the mild yet sun-soaked climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. As the sun climbs higher, especially during peak hours from 12 PM to 3 PM, UV levels can reach a maximum of 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With Lugo's typical climate zone characterized by its unique blend of sunshine and cloud cover, understanding the UV Index can help you make informed decisions to protect your skin while soaking up the beauty of this historic city.
The UV Index today starts off low, peaking at 1 until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, a noticeable shift occurs: by 11:00 AM, it rises to 5 and escalates dramatically to 10 from 14:00 to 15:00, marking peak sun intensity. This period signals a critical time for sun protection, as the risk of skin damage intensifies. As the afternoon fades, the index gently declines, settling at 4 by 18:00 and tapering off to 3 by 19:00. Be sure to apply sunscreen and seek shade during those peak hours to stay protected while enjoying the 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Lugo | 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 |