Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kythira, Greece, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the island's Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, sunny summers and mild winters, the risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays can be significant, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when the UV Index peaks at 9. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can make safer outdoor plans, protect your skin, and enjoy all that Kythira has to offer while minimizing the risk of sun-related health issues. Keep an eye on those numbers to ensure your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe!
The UV Index throughout the day shows a notable peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Early in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index remains at a low 1, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the day progresses, it gradually rises, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and surging to 7 by 11:00 AM. The intensity continues to climb until it stabilizes at 9 during the hottest hours before gradually descending after 3:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and returning to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM to avoid harmful UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the late spring and summer months. From March to September, the UV Index reaches alarming levels, peaking at 10 from June to August. This signifies a very high exposure category, where the average burn time is a mere 15 minutes. The high-risk months include April through September, urging visitors and residents to exercise caution. It is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen during these critical months. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December show a moderate UV Index of 3 to 5, where burn times extend to 30 minutes. Nevertheless, even in these months, taking preventive measures against UV exposure is beneficial.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Larisa UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Patra UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Piraeus UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Athens UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Kythira | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |