Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Istiaia, Greece, understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health while enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean climate. The UV Index provides crucial information about sun exposure levels throughout the day, helping residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. With typical peak UV readings reaching as high as 10 around midday, being aware of these levels is essential, especially in the region’s warm Csa climate. By taking the necessary precautions while sunbathing or engaging in outdoor activities, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the Greek sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear narrative of rising intensity, peaking in the afternoon. Starting at 1 by 07:00, the UV levels gradually ascend, reaching 5 by 10:00. By 11:00, the index climbs to 7, and it soars to a striking 10 at 13:00—the optimal time for sun precautions. The intensity slightly wanes thereafter, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and continuing down to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer levels. This data underscores the importance of sun safety measures during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index varies throughout the year, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV levels are categorized as moderate (UV Index 3-4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high risk (UV Index 6) with a burn time of 25 minutes, followed by a peak in April through August, where the UV Index reaches 10 and is classified as very high, necessitating precautions as burn time decreases to 15 minutes. September remains very high (UV Index 8) but offers a slight reprieve with a burn time of 15 minutes, before transitioning back to moderate levels in November and December (UV Index 3-4), with burn times returning to 30 minutes. It is crucial for everyone to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—especially during the high-risk months from March to September.
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 |
| Istiaia | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |