Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lefkada, Greece—a stunning island known for its beautiful beaches and sunny climate. With peak UV levels often soaring to 10, awareness of these indices is essential in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. The Mediterranean climate can present significant UV exposure risks, especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun is strongest. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects to your skin.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 1, perfect for morning strolls. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a gentle increase in sun exposure. However, as the clock strikes 10:00, the UV Index jumps to 4, signaling that it’s time to apply sunscreen. The midday sun really turns up the heat, hitting 8 by 12:00 and reaching a blistering 10 at 13:00 and 14:00, making this the most intense period for UV rays. As the afternoon rolls in, a gradual decline begins, with the UV Index dipping to 9 at 15:00 and further down to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index returns to a safe 2 by 18:00, finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. Remember, daytime sun safety is crucial—stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | 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 | 7 | 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 do the UV Index levels, indicating variations in sun exposure risk. January and February have a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, leading to a burn time of about 30 minutes. Things ramp up in March with a high UV Index of 6 (25-minute burn time), followed by the critically elevated levels of 8 to 10 from April through August, where burn times shrink to just 15 minutes. September marks a slight decrease to 8, while October sees a return to high levels at 6, before falling back to moderate in November and December. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April through August, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize sun damage. Regular checks of daily UV levels are advised to stay informed and safe.
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 |
| Lefkada | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |