Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Lefkada, Greece, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin while soaking up the beautiful Mediterranean sun. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 10 during midday hours, awareness of these radiation levels can be the difference between enjoying a sun-kissed holiday and suffering from painful sunburn. Lefkada's Csa climate features hot summers that invite endless outdoor activities, but this also means increased exposure to harmful UV rays. Being informed about UV levels not only promotes skin health but enhances your overall vacation experience—allowing you to bask in the sun while protecting yourself from its potential harms.
The UV Index is a dynamic measure of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a notable 9, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a maximum value of 10. During this period, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Early morning hours remain quite low, peaking at just 1 by 08:00 AM, while by 10:00 AM the index climbs to 5. As the sun continues to rise, it climbs swiftly to 7 by 11:00 AM, making midday the crucial time for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |