Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Santomera, Spain, where the climate is characterized by hot, dry summers. With UV levels frequently reaching a maximum of 11 during peak hours, awareness of these ratings can make a significant difference in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. The high UV exposure risks call for vigilance, as even a short time spent outdoors without protection can lead to skin damage. Equip yourself with the knowledge of the UV Index to enjoy the sunny Santomera days while keeping your skin safe and healthy!
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 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 |
| Santomera | 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 |