Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Manga del Mar Menor, Spain, where the sunny climate presents both opportunities for enjoyment and risks for our skin. With UV levels frequently soaring to a maximum of 10 in the peak hours of sunlight, awareness of ultraviolet radiation is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The region's BSk climate offers an abundance of sunny days, making it essential to stay informed about UV exposure risks throughout the day. By knowing when the UV Index is highest, you can safeguard yourself while soaking up the beautiful Mediterranean sun.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise in solar intensity, peaking at 10 between 2 PM and 3 PM. Starting from a mild 1 early in the morning, it progressively climbs, reaching 6 by 11 AM and hitting a summery 9 by 1 PM. With the sun at its zenith around noon, a notable 8 marks the transition to peak UV exposure. As afternoon settles in, the index gently descends, dipping to 5 by 5 PM and tapering off to a more manageable 2 by 7 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes reveal a significant increase in ultraviolet exposure from winter to summer, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months include April to August, where residents and visitors should take extra precautions due to very high UV levels. Specifically, in April (UV Index 8) and May (UV Index 10), the burn time decreases sharply to 15 minutes, while June remains critical with its extreme rating. As summer transitions to autumn, UV exposure diminishes, lowering to a high level in October (UV Index 6). To protect against skin damage, it is advisable to wear sun protection, such as sunscreen and UV-blocking clothing, especially during peak hours in these high-risk 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 |
| 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 |
| La Manga del Mar Menor | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |