Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Castanares de Rioja, Spain, where the warm Cfb climate can lead to significant sun exposure. The UV levels here can soar, particularly during the midday hours, making it crucial to monitor these ratings to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. With a peak index of 10 around 2 PM, awareness of UV exposure is key to enjoying the sun safely—protecting your skin while soaking up the beautiful rays of this picturesque region.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, showcasing the sun’s power. Starting off at a gentle 1 by 07:00, it gradually climbs to 5 by 11:00. The real intensity kicks in around noon with a peak of 10 at 14:00—a strong reminder to protect your skin! The index begins to wane as the afternoon wears on, dropping to 6 by 17:00 and continuing to fall to 2 by 19:00. It’s a vivid illustration of how the sun's potency evolves throughout the day, urging us to stay sun-smart during those peak hours.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. January to February shows a moderate risk with an index of 3 to 4, allowing for approximately 30 minutes of safe exposure. As spring arrives, March increases to a high index of 6, reducing safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The risk escalates rapidly in April and May, reaching very high levels of 8 and 10 respectively, necessitating protective measures after 15 minutes in the sun. June presents the most extreme UV conditions with an index of 11—with a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure—making this the highest risk month. July and August remain critical with 10 and 9, while September sees a slight decline to 8. As autumn descends, October returns to a high index of 6, then drops to moderate in November and low by December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during April through September, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Castanares de Rioja | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 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 |