Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Malia, Greece is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. With its sunny Mediterranean climate, Malia is a beautiful destination, but it also brings heightened risks of UV exposure that can lead to sunburn and skin damage. As UV levels can reach a peak of 10 during midday, staying informed about these levels helps you take necessary precautions to protect your skin health. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can enjoy all that Malia has to offer while minimizing your risk—ensuring that your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
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 |
Seasonal changes in the UV Index illustrate a notable increase in sun exposure risk from late winter through summer. January and December feature a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for 30 minutes of potential sun exposure without burning, while February slightly rises to 5. The risk escalates significantly from March (UV Index 7) to April (UV Index 9) as the burn time decreases to 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The peak occurs in June with an extreme index of 11, significantly lowering the burn time to just 10 minutes, marking it as a month of high concern. July, August, and September maintain a very high index of 10 and 9, suggesting that residents and visitors should take extra precautions, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these months. As temperatures cool down in October (7) and November (5), the risk subsides to high and moderate levels again, offering a slight respite. Overall, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant about UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of April 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 |
| 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 |
| Malia | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |