Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Shirak, Armenia, where the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. With a climate characteristic of the Dfb zone, Shirak experiences notable UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when levels soar above 9. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it's essential to take precautions. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of your time under the Armenian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern as the sun ascends. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, marking the arrival of noticeable sunlight. The real intensity hits its peak at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 11—a cautionary moment for those outdoors. As we move through the afternoon, the index remains elevated, reaching 12 at 13:00 before gradually descending, settling back to 7 by 16:00. The evening sees a return to safer levels with 2 at 18:00 and finally back to 1 as the day wanes at 19:00. This dynamic shift underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit noticeable seasonal variations, with high-risk months emerging primarily from March to August. March and April both peak at a UV Index of 9, indicating very high exposure risks, while May and June elevate to an extreme level of 11 and 12, respectively. July continues this trend with a peak UV Index of 12, before tapering slightly in August to 10 and September to 9. By October, the UV Index begins to decline to 7, moving back to moderate levels of 4 in November and 3 in December. To ensure safety, it is essential for visitors and residents alike to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Shirak | 3 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Hrazdan UVI | 3 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |