Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Palma de Gandia, Spain, especially during the sun-soaked months when the Mediterranean climate amplifies the risk of harmful UV exposure. With UV levels peaking between noon and 3 PM, reaching as high as 9, awareness can be the key to preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen helps you enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities of this vibrant coastal town while keeping your skin safe from potential damage.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic and intense sun exposure. Starting off with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, it quickly rises to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak intensity from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, hitting a scorching 9 during the hottest hours. As the afternoon wanes, the UV index gradually declines to 7 by 4:00 PM, then further to 5 at 5:00 PM, and eventually settling at a more manageable 2 by 7:00 PM. To stay safe and protect your skin, it's crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen, especially during those midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Palma de Gandia | 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 |