Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Elche, Spain is crucial for enjoying the sun safely and protecting your skin health. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), Elche experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the hottest hours of the day when the index can soar to levels as high as 12. This makes it imperative to be aware of the UV levels, as even short periods of sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful sun-drenched days in Elche while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a significant increase, peaking sharply in the early afternoon. Starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually ascends to reach 12 by 2:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The hours around 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM are especially critical, with values soaring to 11 and 12 respectively. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to decline, dipping back to 6 by 5:00 PM and falling to 2 by 7:00 PM. To ensure your skin stays protected, it’s essential to take precautions during those peak hours when the sun's rays are most potent!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, resulting in varying levels of skin exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking at 6 in March, moving into a high exposure category with a burn time of just 25 minutes. The high-risk months of April through July see dramatic increases, with May and June reaching very high and extreme levels at 10 and 12, respectively, necessitating caution with burn times decreasing to as low as 10 minutes. As summer wanes, September and October still present significant risks, with indices of 9 and 7, although the burn times improve slightly. Conversely, November and December afford a reprieve, returning to a moderate exposure category with a UV Index of 4 and 3, allowing for a safer 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive sun protection measures, especially between April and July, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Elche | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |