Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Benassal, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful solar radiation. With the Mediterranean climate of Benassal, sun exposure can be intense, particularly during the peak hours when UV levels soar to 11—a level indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Understanding these UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can effectively plan your outdoor activities and protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential dangers of overexposure.
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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. May through August are especially high-risk periods, featuring UV Index readings of 10 or above, categorizing them as very high to extreme. Notably, June and July stand out with a peak UV Index of 12, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As a precaution, visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the peak UV hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present a moderate risk, with UV levels around 3 to 5 and longer burn times of 30 minutes, reminding us to remain vigilant for sun protection even in the cooler months.
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 |
Benassal | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |