Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ourense, Spain, where sunny days can lead to high levels of UV exposure. With the region’s climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, awareness of UV levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The UV Index can soar to a peak of 11 during midday hours, making it vital to take precautions, such as seeking shade and wearing sunscreen. By grasping the implications of these UV levels, everyone in Ourense can prioritize their skin’s safety while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity. Morning hours start off with a mild UV level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 3 at 10:00, then jumps to a notable peak of 11 from 14:00 to 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The maximum index of 10 occurs at 1 PM, while the intensity begins to decline in the afternoon, descending to 5 by 18:00 and 3 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay cautious and apply sunscreen during the midday hours when UV levels are at their most extreme!
| 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 | 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 |
| Ourense | 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 |