Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Exarkhos, Greece, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the Mediterranean climate typical of this region, UV exposure can be intense, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. By recognizing the UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. For instance, during midday, when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 11, it’s essential to seek shade and apply sunscreen to safeguard against harmful rays. Being informed about these daily fluctuations not only enhances your sun safety but also enhances your enjoyment of the beautiful Greek outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity and its impact on outdoor activities. Starting early at 7:00 AM, the exposure remains low at a mere 1, ideal for morning strolls. As the sun climbs, 9:00 AM sees a slight increase to 3, hinting at the day's potential. By 10:00 AM, the index escalates to 5, and it reaches a peak at 12:00 PM with a blistering 10. The highest point occurs around 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it hits 11, indicating the need for sun protection. Gradually, the index begins to decline, drifting down to 7 by 4:00 PM, and dropping to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, closing the day with a protective embrace as twilight falls. This information serves as a crucial guide for planning sun-safe activities!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (3 to 4), allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches in March with an increase to a high UV Index of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes, caution becomes essential. April and May see a steep rise to a very high exposure (UV Index 8-10), reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. The peak of UV intensity occurs in June with an extreme UV Index of 11, demanding vigilant sun protection as burn time is just 10 minutes. July and August maintain the very high levels (10), while September and October witness a gradual decline, with the UV Index falling to 8 and 7, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 and 25 minutes. As November and December arrive, the UV Index drops back to a moderate level, corresponding to a return to 30-minute burn time. Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for everyone to take appropriate precautions during March to October, particularly in the peak summer months, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
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 |
| Exarkhos | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |