Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Stepanavan, Armenia, where sunny days can pose significant risks to skin health. With the UV Index peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. Given Stepanavan's Dfb climate, which features warm summers and elevated ultraviolet exposure, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is crucial to safeguarding yourself against harmful effects. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking progression of solar intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM. The real heat hits at 11:00 AM, reaching a peak of 11, signifying that sun protection is essential during these hours. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to taper off, with 10 at 2:00 PM and then descending to 4 by 5:00 PM. The day winds down with a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM, making it a perfect time to enjoy the cool evening sun. Remember, the higher the UV Index, the more crucial it is to stay protected!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |