Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Madrid, Spain, where the sun shines brightly, particularly during the hotter months. The UV levels can reach a maximum of 10 around midday, making awareness essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With Madrid's Mediterranean climate, the risk of harmful UV exposure increases significantly, especially from late spring to early fall. Keeping an eye on the UV Index helps ensure that outdoor activities are enjoyable and safe, allowing you to soak up the sun while taking necessary precautions.
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 |
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 |