Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Metsamor, Armenia, where the BSk climate brings a mix of dry and warm conditions that can lead to significant UV exposure. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, so do the UV levels, peaking at 10 around midday—indicating a real risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Staying informed about UV levels not only helps in sunburn prevention but also supports overall skin health. By keeping an eye on local UV forecasts, you can enjoy the beautiful Armenian sunlight while protecting yourself effectively.
The UV Index for the day reveals an early climb towards peak intensity, starting at 2 at 07:00 and surging to a maximum of 10 between 11:00 and 13:00. This midday period, marked by the highest levels, signals a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index will drop, falling to 8 at 14:00, and then gracefully tapering off to 5 by 15:00. After that, protective measures can relax as the UV Index declines further, reaching 3 by 16:00, and settling down to 1 as the evening sets in, providing a gentle reminder of the sun’s waning power. Remember, to enjoy the sun safely during its peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metsamor | 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 |