Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the enchanting island of Zakynthos, Greece, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels soaring as high as 10 during midday hours, understanding these values can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Mediterranean climate, Zakynthos experiences intense sun exposure, particularly in the summer months, highlighting the need for vigilance against UV radiation. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the island's beautiful beaches while safeguarding your skin's health.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, reaching its peak during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels are moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high index of 6, decreasing burn time to 25 minutes. April to August are considered high-risk, featuring very high UV levels of 8 to 10 and a burn time of just 15 minutes, making sun protection essential during these months. In September, the UV Index drops slightly to 8, while in October, it remains high at 7 with a burn time of 25 minutes. The UV levels then decline again in late fall and winter, returning to moderate levels of 3 to 4 by November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during April to August, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV exposure and skin damage.
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 |
| Zakynthos | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |