Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rethymno, Greece, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health while enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean climate. With UV levels often peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 10—awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The local Csa climate means plenty of sunshine and warm weather, making it essential to monitor UV exposure for safe outdoor activities. So whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring charming streets, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure a sunny and safe experience!
During the day, the UV Index fluctuates, providing a clear picture of sunlight intensity. Morning hours see a gentle rise, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and jumping to an intense 7 by 11:00 AM. The hottest moment arrives at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a peak of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 6 at 4:00 PM and gradually descending to 1 by 7:00 PM, suggesting that early morning and late evening are the most favorable times to bask in the sun safely.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
| Rethymno | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |