Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Marta de Ortigueira, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, awareness of UV levels allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions during the day. Nestled in a temperate climate zone (Csb), Santa Marta experiences varied UV exposure, peaking around midday with levels reaching up to 9. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the UV Index and adopting sun safety practices, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM when the risk is highest. Enjoy the beauty of Santa Marta while safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at just 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually increasing. By 10:00 AM, a noticeable shift occurs, with the index rising to 3. The peak intensity is reached between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where it climbs to a blistering 9. This is a critical time for sun safety, as the UV rays can cause harm. After the peak, there’s a gradual decline, dropping to 4 by 6:00 PM and finishing the day at 3 by 7:00 PM. Remember to shield yourself during those midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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, seasonal UV changes significantly affect sun exposure safety. From January to February, the UV Index gradually increases from a low of 2 to a moderate 4, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes to 30 minutes, respectively. As spring progresses, March and April see the UV Index rise to high levels (6 and 7), shortening safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The summer months of May to August are particularly critical, with very high UV levels peaking at 10 in June and remaining above 8, requiring protective measures for just 15 minutes of sun exposure. In early September, the UV Index decreases to high levels again, providing a brief respite with longer burn time opportunities. As autumn settles in, the UV exposure becomes moderate in October and November, before returning to low in December, where burn times increase to 30 and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take special precautions during the high-risk months of May, June, July, and August—including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Marta de Ortigueira | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 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 |