Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Lorca, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate often leads to intense sun exposure. As UV levels rise, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, awareness of these radiation levels becomes crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With a typical UV Index reaching a peak of 11 during the summer months, Lorca's warm climate presents both opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and risks if sun safety measures aren’t taken seriously. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly by monitoring the daily UV Index!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild, peaking at a gentle 1 by 8:00 AM. However, as the hours progress, the intensity ramps up significantly. By 10:00 AM, the index hits a moderate 4, escalating to a 6 by 11:00 AM. The sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an intense 10, and even peaks at a blistering 11 by 2:00 PM. After this peak, the levels gradually decline, with 8 by 4:00 PM and slipping down to 2 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This hourly shift serves as a reminder to stay protected during the highest UV exposure times, especially between noon and early afternoon.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. In April and May, the UV Index peaks at levels of 9 and 10 (very high), leading to a burn time of just 15 minutes. The intensity reaches its zenith in June and July, where the UV Index hits 11 (extreme), necessitating extra precautions since an unprotected individual can burn in as little as 10 minutes. As summer wanes, September retains a very high UV Index of 9, but by October, it decreases to 7 (high), allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 25 minutes. For January, February, November, and December, the UV Index remains moderate, with burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during the summer months by seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Lorca | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |