Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ioannina, Greece, where the Mediterranean climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With peaks reaching a UV Index of 10 during the hottest hours of the day, being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. This awareness is essential not just for enjoying the sun safely but also for reducing the long-term risk of skin damage. Given Ioannina's warm summers, residents should stay informed about daily UV predictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors.
The UV Index dramatically fluctuates throughout the day, starting with a barely-there score of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, making early morning hours relatively safe for outdoor activities. As the sun rises, the intensity increases, peaking at a striking 10 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This midday surge warns us to take precautions, as the sun's rays can be particularly harsh and skin damage risks are elevated. After this peak, the UV Index gradually declines, settling at a 2 by 6:00 PM and returning to a low 1 by evening. Stay vigilant during the peak hours to protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which is crucial for understanding sun exposure risks. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate at 3 to 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk of burning. However, as March approaches, the index climbs to 6, indicating a shift to high risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The period from April to September marks the high-risk months for sun exposure, peaking at 11 in June, where only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure is safe. July and August maintain a 10 with a burn time of 15 minutes. By October, the index drops to 6, signaling a gradual decrease in risk, which continues through the winter months of November and December with indices reverting back to moderate levels at 4 and 3 respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high UV months, practicing sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate potential harm from increased UV radiation.
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 |
| Ioannina | 3 | 4 | 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 |