Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Vernashen, Armenia, where the mountainous terrain and continental climate can lead to varying UV exposure levels throughout the day. As the sun moves across the sky, UV levels can spike to dangerous highs, reaching an index of 11 at noon, emphasizing the need for effective sunburn prevention and skin health measures. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can better protect yourself from harmful effects such as skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe. Whether you're hiking in the hills or enjoying a day in the sun, being aware of the UV Index can help you make informed choices to shield your skin from excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index steadily climbs as the day progresses, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM. Sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts should be mindful, as the index hits a high of 10 at 12:00 PM, signaling significant UV exposure. After this peak, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continuing to decline to 1 by 7:00 PM. For safe sun enjoyment, it’s best to take precautions during those high UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Remember to sport your hats and sunscreen!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring in May through August. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12, resulting in a fast burn time of just 10 minutes. March and April are also notable, where the index peaks at very high levels of 9, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months: wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the months of January, February, and December display a more moderate UV Index of 3 to 5, allowing for a safer outdoor experience with burn times of 30 minutes. As the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter months, it's still wise to remain vigilant about sun safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernashen | 3 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |