Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Stepanavan, Armenia, as it provides vital information about the risks associated with sun exposure. Recognizing UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during the hotter months. With a Dfb climate, Stepanavan experiences significant variations in UV exposure, peaking around midday. On sunny days, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed and taking protective measures can help safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful Armenian sun responsibly.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index remains low to moderate (3-4), allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, as spring approaches, values climb sharply, reaching a very high category of 9 in March and 8 in April, with burn times dropping to 15 minutes. May escalates to 10, and then the summer months of June and July reach an extreme level of 11, where exposure time reduces to just 10 minutes. Notably, August and September continue to pose risks, maintaining a very high index at 10 and 9, respectively, with burn times increasing slightly to 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, the index gradually declines, falling to 6 in October (25 min burn time) and stabilizing back to moderate levels in November and December (3-4), allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of March through September, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stepanavan | 3 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |