Last updated: June 2, 2025
In sunny Emba, Cyprus, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. This informative measure highlights the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, which can vary significantly throughout the day, especially in a Mediterranean climate like Emba's. As the UV Index peaks at 11 around midday, understanding these levels becomes essential for residents and visitors alike to mitigate the risks of overexposure. With UV exposure reaching potentially harmful levels, staying informed can help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting their skin from damage.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
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 UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Emba | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |