Sun and UV in Spain: protecting skin and eyes

Key rules

• Peak risk: Treat April to September as high-risk months and the hours from about 11:00 or 12:00 to 16:00 as the danger window.
• Check the index: Look at the daily UV forecast and use protection whenever the index is 3 or above.
• Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and SPF 50 for fair skin and children.
• Eyes: Wear sunglasses with CE-marked category 2-4 UV protection.
• Babies: Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun entirely.

How strong is the sun in Spain?

UV is high across much of Spain for much of the year. The risk is high or very high from about April to September, and strongest from about 11:00 or 12:00 to 16:00.

The UV index (UVI) is the daily measure of how strongly the sun can burn. AEMET, Spain's weather agency, publishes a forecast every day. Check it as you would check the temperature.

• Winter: about 2-3 in the north and 3-4 in the south.
• Summer: 8-10 across most of the mainland.
• Extreme (11 or more): southern Spain, the Canary Islands and high ground, often at midday from June to August. The Canaries can reach 11-12 or more, with strong values from spring.

The north coast has the lowest values. Cloud, ozone and altitude change the daily number, so use the forecast.

Do you need sunscreen in winter?

Not every day for most people on the mainland. Protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or above, using SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.

Use it anyway if you:

• are in the south or the Canary Islands, where winter UV can reach moderate levels
• ski or walk in high mountains, where UV rises with altitude and snow reflects it
• spend long hours outdoors
• have fair skin

Habits that protect adults

1. Stay out of direct sun in the central hours, roughly 12:00 to 16:00, and look for shade.
2. Wear a hat, loose clothing and UV-protective sunglasses. Choose category 2-4 lenses with the CE mark.
3. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Choose SPF 50 if you have fair skin.
4. Put it on 20-30 minutes before you go out, and use a generous amount.
5. Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.
6. Drink water.
7. Skip sunbeds.

Cloud does not block UV, so a grey day can still burn you.

Check your skin regularly. If a mole changes, see a doctor.

Babies and children

Children need stricter rules. Use SPF 50 for children.

• Under 6 months: keep them out of direct sun completely. Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen is not generally recommended at this age. If shade is not possible, a small amount on exposed areas may be used.
• 6 to 12 months, and children up to age 3: avoid direct sun in the central hours. Use a mineral sunscreen of SPF 50+.
• All children: UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and offer plenty of fluids.

Never leave a child in a parked car.

The timeline, warnings and FAQ below cover these points in a quick-reference form. For a baby, or for fair skin or a medical condition, ask your paediatrician or doctor.

Timeline and deadlines

• Keep your baby out of direct sun entirely, using shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses: from birth to 6 months

• Avoid direct sun in the central hours and use a mineral sunscreen of SPF 50+: from 6 months to 12 months

• Keep avoiding midday sun, use SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and reapply every 2 hours: from 12 months up to age 3

What to watch out for

• Strong midday sun from April to September: UV risk is high or very high from about April to September, peaking from late morning to 16:00. In summer it reaches 8 to 10 on most of the mainland and 11 or more in the south, the Canaries and at altitude. Avoid direct sun from about 12:00 to 16:00, seek shade, and wear a hat, loose clothing and UV-protective sunglasses (category 2-4, CE marked).

• Cloud and sunbeds: Cloud does not block UV, so you can burn on an overcast day. Sunbeds also damage skin. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied 20 to 30 minutes before going out, and skip sunbeds.

• Babies and young children: Babies under 6 months burn easily and should not be in direct sun. Children also overheat quickly, and a parked car is never safe for them. Keep babies in shade with clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Never leave a child in a parked car, and give children plenty of fluids.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need sunscreen in winter in Spain?

Not every day for most people on the mainland, but you should protect your skin whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above. In the south and the Canary Islands the index can reach that level even in winter. Use SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and use it for skiing, high mountains, long outdoor activity or fair skin.

How high does the UV index get in Spain in summer?

The UV index reaches 8 to 10 across most of the mainland in summer, and 11 or more in the south, the Canary Islands and at altitude. Peaks come around midday from June to August. The Canary Islands can see 11 to 12 or more, with strong values from spring.

Does cloud stop UV from burning my skin?

No, cloud does not block UV, so you can still burn on an overcast day. Keep using sunscreen and a hat when the UV Index is 3 or above. Check the daily UV forecast from AEMET, Spain's weather agency.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Reapply every 2 hours, and again after swimming or sweating. Put it on generously about 20 to 30 minutes before you go out. Use SPF 50 for fair skin and children.