Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Vamvakofyto, Greece, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With typical mid-summer UV levels soaring as high as 10 around midday, awareness of these values can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health. This charming village, nestled in a temperate Cfa climate, regularly experiences elevated UV exposure risks, especially in the warmer months. By staying informed about the UV Index and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful Greek sun while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. January and December register low UV exposure levels (Index 2), allowing for longer safe sun exposure times of around 45 minutes. As February progresses to an Index of 4, caution becomes necessary, with a burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months emerge from March to September, where the Index ranges from 6 to 10, signaling very high UV levels for much of the summer; notably, April to August sees a consistent Index of 8-10, with a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. In this period, it's vital for visitors and residents to take precautions by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the year transitions into fall, the UV Index declines, although October still presents a high risk at 6. Emphasizing sun safety during peak months is essential to prevent harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Vamvakofyto | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |