Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of O Barco de Valdeorras, Spain, where the climate can expose you to significant sunlight throughout the year. With UV levels peaking during the midday hours, awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The area's Mediterranean climate, classified as Csb, presents unique challenges, especially when UV levels soar to as high as 11 during the afternoon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, peaking at an intense 11 between 14:00 and 15:00. This is a critical time for outdoor activities, as exposure to sunlight becomes increasingly intense. Notably, the index jumps from 6 at 11:00 AM to 8 at noon, finally hitting its zenith with a blistering 10 at 1:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the UV index graciously falls, settling at 5 by 6:00 PM and tapering off to 3 by 7:00 PM. Be cautious during the peak hours for effective sun safety!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| O Barco de Valdeorras | 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 |