Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Las Torres de Cotillas, Spain, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, especially as the sun peaks with an index of 10 around midday. With its semi-arid climate, this region typically experiences high UV exposure, particularly during the summer months, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to prioritize sunscreen and protective clothing. Being UV-aware can significantly contribute to a safer and healthier outdoor experience in this vibrant community.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a clear picture of increasing sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 during the early morning hours, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it hits 3, and the real heat kicks in around 12:00 PM, with a peak UVI of 10 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, decreasing to 5 by 5:00 PM and continuing to drop towards the evening, finally settling at a more manageable 2 by 7:00 PM. Those planning outdoor activities should take note: the midday sun is the strongest, making protective measures essential during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels show significant seasonal fluctuations, with March to September marking the high-risk months for UV exposure. During this period, the UV Index peaks, reaching an extreme level of 11 in both June and July, where protective measures are crucial and the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from April through September, where even moderate to very high indices necessitate sun protection strategies. It's advisable to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially when the UV Index reaches 8 and above. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) present a lower risk, with moderate UV Index levels, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities without the need for extensive sun protection.
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 |
| Las Torres de Cotillas | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |