Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Cortes, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during the peak summer months. With a temperate Cfb climate, where sunny days are abundant, residents and visitors must be vigilant about daily UV exposure, which can reach a high of 11 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Cortes while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM. However, things heat up quickly! By 10:00 AM, it surges to 4, reaching 6 at 11:00 AM. The afternoon sun really cranks it up, hitting a maximum of 11 at 2:00 PM, making this the moment when protective measures should be a priority. As we approach late afternoon, the index begins to drop, settling at 6 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay sun-safe during those 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 9 | 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, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk for visitors and residents. The months of April through September are particularly critical, with April peaking at a UV Index of 8 (very high) and June reaching an extreme level of 11. The high-risk months—May, June, and July—demand heightened sun protection, as the burn time during these periods is reduced to just 10-15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of December and January feature lower UV levels, with January's Index at 3 and a burn time of 30 minutes. To stay safe, residents and visitors should wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, especially from April to September.
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 |
Cortes | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |