Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is crucial for protecting your skin while enjoying the beautiful Galician landscapes. As the sun's rays can be particularly intense during peak hours, especially from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM when the index can reach a high of 10, being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Santiago's mild Csb climate featuring moderate sunlight throughout much of the year, it's essential to remain vigilant about UV exposure risks, ensuring you can embrace the outdoors safely. Remember, staying informed about the UV Index is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your health while basking in the charm of this historic city!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to creep up, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 2, and soon after, it climbs to 3 at 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits at 11:00 AM, with the index jumping to 5. Noon marks the peak, soaring to 7, and it only intensifies from there. At 1:00 PM, the UV Index spikes to 9, and by 2:00 PM, it reaches a maximum of 10—a critical level warranting sun safety precautions. This intensity holds steady until 3:00 PM, after which the UV Index starts to decline, dropping gradually to 9 by 4:00 PM, then 7 at 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels retreat further, settling at 5 by 6:00 PM, and ending the day with a gentle 3 at 7:00 PM. Remember, the midday sun is the strongest—stay protected!
| 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring from April to August. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches very high levels, particularly in June with a maximum of 10, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. March marks the transition to higher risk, classified as high, with a UV Index of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January and December show a low UV Index of 2, allowing for extended exposure of up to 45 minutes without risk of burns. Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take extra precautions during April to August by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago de Compostela | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 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 |