Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Manga del Mar Menor, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely. With its warm BSk climate and high UV exposure—peaking at a scorching 10 during midday hours—this picturesque region offers breathtaking beaches and outdoor adventures but also demands vigilance in UV protection. Stay informed and arm yourself with knowledge to ensure your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases its gradual rise, peaking during the midday sun. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 09:00, signaling the onset of more vibrant sunlight. The intensity escalates, hitting 4 by 10:00, and then surging to 6 at 11:00. 12:00 marks a pivotal moment as the UV Index reaches 8, intensifying even further to a striking 10 from 13:00 to 15:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently dips, falling to 8 at 16:00, 6 by 17:00, and tapering off to 4 at 18:00, before retreating to a moderate 2 by 19:00. This hourly portrait invites us to embrace the sun's warmth wisely, reminding us to prioritize protection during the peak hours when the UV Index soars.
| 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 | 4 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 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 |