Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Spetses, Greece, where the Mediterranean climate brings ample sunshine and high UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months. With peak UV levels reaching 10 between noon and 2 PM, awareness of these ratings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Being informed about UV levels not only helps you enjoy the beautiful beaches safely but also promotes long-term skin wellness in an environment where the sun's rays are stronger than many might realize.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those peak hours!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 10, indicating a very high exposure category, which corresponds to a burn time as brief as 15 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index drops to moderate levels of 3 in January and December, allowing for a safer exposure duration of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the UV Index lessens after September, the risk of skin damage declines significantly, but caution should still be practiced in October.
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 |
Spetses | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |