Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Ondara, Spain, where the sunny Mediterranean climate offers beautiful weather but also significant sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the Index can reach up to 10. With Ondara's typical climate categorized as Csa, which features hot summers, monitoring UV radiation becomes all the more important to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring that you enjoy the outdoors safely and healthily.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic sun exposure pattern throughout the day. Starting with a low index of 1 in the early hours (07:00 and 08:00), sun sensitivity increases as the day progresses. By 09:00, the index rises to 2, marking the beginning of heightened UV intensity. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where it hits a high of 10, indicating a strong need for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the levels gradually decline, sliding to 8 at 16:00 and further down to 3 by 18:00. By 19:00, the exposure reduces to 2, suggesting a safe transition as daylight fades. Remember, when the UV Index is 6 or higher, it’s essential to take protective measures!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index and the associated risk of sunburn. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-4) with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, in March, it escalates to high (6), reducing burn time to 25 minutes, signaling the start of increased caution. April and May are particularly high-risk months with very high indices (8-9) and short burn times of just 15 minutes. The intensity peaks in June at an extreme level (11), where unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. July and August follow closely with very high indices (9-10) and continued caution advised. A gradual decline starts in September (UV 8) and continues through October, where the risk decreases to high (6) before settling back to moderate in the late fall (November and December, UV 3-4). Residents and visitors are strongly advised to wear sun protection during high-risk months, especially from March through September, to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Ondara | 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 |