Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Larnaca, Cyprus, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun exposure, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a BSh climate characterized by long, hot summers, Larnaca experiences varying UV levels throughout the day. As the UV Index peaks at 11 around noon, it's essential to take protective measures to enjoy the sun safely while preserving your skin's health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index makes its initial climb, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early morning outings. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a cautious 4, signaling a need for light protection. The day really heats up at 11:00 AM, where it peaks at a striking 9, and it hits its maximum intensity of 11 at 1:00 PM. During these hours, sunscreen is a must if you plan to be outdoors! As afternoon approaches, the intensity begins to wane, with the index tapering back to 7 by 3:00 PM and dropping to a relaxed 1 by 6:00 PM, perfect for evening strolls. Remember, while UV rays are their strongest in the early afternoon, they remain a factor throughout the day—stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable variations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11 in June and July, categorizing these months as having extreme exposure levels with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the lowest risk months are January and December, where the UV Index remains at 3, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during peak months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Famagusta UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Larnaca | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Strovolos UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Nicosia UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Limassol UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |