Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning high-altitude town of Mest'ia, Georgia, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for your skin's safety and overall health. With the peak UV levels reaching an alarming 12 around midday, understanding these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and protect against long-term skin damage. Nestled in a unique ET climate zone, Mest'ia's bright, sunny days, particularly in summer, pose significant UV exposure risks, necessitating the need for sun protection strategies. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the breathtaking views while safeguarding your skin.
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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, indicating changing levels of solar UV radiation exposure. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As we move into February, the index rises to 5, maintaining the moderate level. From March through August, the risks escalate, with March and April reaching very high indices of 8 and 10, followed by an extreme peak of 12 in May and June. July sees a slight drop to 11, while August and September remain very high, giving burn times as low as 10 minutes during peak months. A notable reduction occurs in October with a high index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes, before reverting back to moderate levels in November. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious between March and August, when the UV levels pose the greatest risks; applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours will help mitigate exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zugdidi UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Batumi UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Sokhumi UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Kutaisi UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Tbilisi UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Mest'ia | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |