Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Madrid, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers, Madrid experiences elevated UV exposure—especially around midday—when the index can soar to a staggering 11. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Madrid while prioritizing sun safety.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the day unfolds. Early morning hours are quite safe, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, peaking at a striking 8, before hitting a blistering 11 at 14:00. For those planning outdoor activities, caution is advised between 12:00 and 15:00, as the UV levels are at their highest, reaching 10 by 13:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, settling at 6 by 17:00, and tapering off to 2 by 19:00. Embrace the morning sunlight safely, but remember to seek shade 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are primarily from March to September, with the peak UV Index reaching 11 in June and July, signifying an extreme exposure category where burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) exhibit a moderate exposure category, with a UV Index of 3 to 4 and a burn time of up to 30 minutes. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to be vigilant during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage. Emphasizing protection, especially in the intense summer, will help safeguard health while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid | 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 |