Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Metauten, Spain is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, particularly during those sun-drenched months when UV levels peak. With a Cfb climate characterized by mild summers, residents and visitors alike can experience significant UV exposure, especially around midday when the index reaches a high of 10. This awareness equips you to take proactive measures against harmful UV rays, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean climate safely. Whether you're going for a leisurely stroll or engaging in outdoor activities, knowing how to gauge UV levels can make a world of difference in protecting your skin health.
As the day progresses, the UV Index rises steadily, starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins around 10:00 AM when it reaches 3. The peak UV intensity occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with a striking 10 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. Fortunately, the index starts to decline slightly after 3:00 PM, dropping to 8 at 4:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay sun-smart during the midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, indicating the need for varying levels of sun protection. The highest risk months are from April to August, when the UV Index peaks at 11 in June, classified as extreme. During this time, burn times decrease dramatically, with only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure being sufficient to cause skin damage. In contrast, the UV Index is at its lowest in January and December, categorized as low, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be especially cautious from March to August, using appropriate sun protection measures like sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months to reduce the risk of UV 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 |
| Metauten | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |