Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Irakleion, Greece, where sunny days and beautiful beaches entice many outdoors. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for protecting long-term skin health amidst the sun's harmful rays. Irakleion's Mediterranean climate brings warm summers, significantly raising UV exposure risks, especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches its peak at a level of 10. Being aware of these levels empowers everyone to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring each sun-soaked adventure remains memorable for all the right reasons.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 seasonal UV variations indicate a significant increase in UV exposure from winter to summer, with high-risk months emerging from April through August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11 (extreme), particularly in June, July, and August, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. As the UV levels decrease in the fall and winter months, with indices dropping to 3 in January and December, the risk of sunburn diminishes. However, maintaining sun safety practices year-round remains essential for health and well-being.
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 |
| Irakleion | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |