Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sitia, Greece, as it serves as a vital indicator of the sun's intensity and its potential impact on your skin. High UV levels, especially during the peak hours around noon, can lead to swift sunburns and long-term skin health issues. Sitia, known for its Mediterranean climate (Csa), experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the summer months, making it essential to stay informed. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the sunny days in this beautiful coastal town.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling a notable increase in solar radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10 and continues to soar to a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, marking the hour of greatest exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off—dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and 8 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index gracefully descends to 4 at 5:00 PM, settling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during mid-day when UV rays are at their most intense.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| Sitia | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |