Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Aknashen, Armenia, given the region's BSk climate and its characteristic sunny days. As UV levels can rise dramatically, peaking at 11 around midday, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. With UV exposure risks heightened during the summer months, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining your well-being under the Armenian sun. Stay informed and enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern of increasing intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the UV Index peaks at 11 around noon, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. After reaching its zenith at 12:00, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off to 8, 6, and finally 4 by the afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index declines further to a low 2 by 17:00 and settles at 1 by evening, signaling a much safer time for outdoor activities. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV levels are at their most hazardous.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aknashen | 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 |