Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Palma de Gandia, Spain, where the sun can be both a source of joy and a potential hazard. With its Mediterranean climate, this charming locale often sees elevated UV levels, particularly during the peak hours when the index can reach a significant 11, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By familiarizing yourself with these UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, ensuring fun and safe outdoor activities in this beautiful coastal area. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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 |
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 |