Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Stepanavan, Armenia, where the climate presents unique challenges to skin health. As the sun ascends, UV levels can rise significantly, peaking at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting the skin from long-term damage. With Stepanavan's temperate Dfb climate, sun exposure can be deceptively intense, especially during peak hours. Stay informed and stay safe to enjoy the beautiful Armenian sun while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern of sun exposure, peaking during the afternoon. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, signaling a rise in sun intensity, culminating in a striking 10 from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 3 by 17:00, and steadily returning to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
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 |