Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Paphos, Cyprus, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding the levels of UV radiation not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. Known for its Mediterranean climate, Paphos experiences high UV exposure, especially during peak hours around noon, where the UV Index can soar to 11—indicative of very high risk. Being informed about these levels allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sunny days while taking necessary precautions.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real spike occurs as the sun climbs higher, with the index jumping to 4 at 09:00, before peaking at a striking 11 by 13:00—the highest risk of the day. After this peak, the UV levels gradually taper off, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and settling to a gentle 2 by 18:00. Remember to don that sunscreen during the midday hours to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays!
| 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 | 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 |
| Paphos | 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 |