Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health amidst the region's sunny BSk climate. Understanding daily UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors safely. With peak UV Index readings often reaching 11 during midday hours, it's important to stay informed about potential exposure risks and take necessary precautions to protect your skin while basking in the beautiful Santa Cruz sun.
The UV Index shows a dramatic upward trend as the morning progresses, starting from a manageable 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it rises to 2, but the real climb begins around 10:00 AM with a sharp increase to 4. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where the index soars to a maximum of 11—a strong reminder of the sun’s intensity during midday. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to drop, falling back to 9 by 4:00 PM and gently decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day where sun protection is essential from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and embrace the sun wisely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | 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 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 |
| Santa Cruz | 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 |