Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vigo, Spain is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With UV levels often peaking at 10 during the brightest hours, awareness can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Vigo, situated in a moderate maritime climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, making it essential to gauge the intensity of the sun. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day displays a dynamic progression in intensity. Starting off gently, the index hovers at a comfortable level of 1 from 07:00 to 09:00. However, as the sun climbs higher, we witness a noticeable surge: by 10:00, the level reaches 3, and by 11:00, it escalates to 5. Peak exposure occurs between 12:00 and 15:00, with the index soaring to 7 at noon and hitting a high of 10 by 14:00 and 15:00. Afterward, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 9 by 16:00, and gradually retreating to 3 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the sun’s zenith for outdoor enthusiasts.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region shows notable variations, with the most significant increases occurring from April to August. These months, encompassing the peak summer season, experience very high UV levels, reaching up to 10 in June. The high-risk months for sun exposure are primarily April through August, where the burn time drastically decreases to just 15 minutes due to increased UV radiation. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during this period by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the UV Index is low in January and December, suggesting much safer sun exposure conditions during these winter months.
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 |
| Vigo | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 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 |