Last updated: May 3, 2025
As residents of Shahumyan, Armenia, it’s crucial to stay informed about the UV Index—a key indicator of the sun's strength and its potential impact on our skin. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention, but also for maintaining overall skin health. With Shahumyan’s Dfa climate, characterized by warm summers, the UV Index can reach concerning levels, peaking at 10 between noon and 2 PM. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV exposure and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors safely.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in UV exposure reveal significant fluctuations throughout the year. January and February have moderate UV Index levels (3 and 5, respectively), with a burn time of 30 minutes, making them relatively safer months for outdoor activities. However, as spring approaches, March and April see a sharp increase to a very high UV Index of 8, shortening burn time to just 15 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are May and June, when the UV Index peaks at 10 and 11 (extreme), respectively, requiring cautious exposure with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Continuing into July and August, the high risk persists with an extreme UV Index of 11 and 10, emphasizing the need for protective measures. September also remains high at an index of 9. As temperatures cool, October and November see a decline, with the UV Index dropping to 7 and 4, but vigilance is still recommended. By December, the UV Index falls to a low 2, allowing for safer outdoor time of up to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of March through August, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to minimize UV damage and ensure safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahumyan | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Gyumri UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Vagharshapat UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Yerevan UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Vanadzor UVI | 3 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Hrazdan UVI | 3 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |