Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Petra, Greece, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially under the Mediterranean sun. With a climate classified as Csa, visitors and residents alike are exposed to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day, peaking at a dangerous 10 between noon and 2 PM. Awareness of these UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you can enjoy the stunning sights of Petra while keeping your skin safe from harmful effects. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or basking in the sun, understanding the UV Index is essential for a healthier, safer outdoor experience.
At dawn, 7:00 AM, the UV Index is a mild 1, offering a gentle start to the day. As the sun climbs higher, it steadily rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and hitting 3 at 9:00 AM. However, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the intensity increases sharply, peaking at an impressive 10 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—the highest level of risk. The UV Index then begins its descent, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, followed by a gradual decline to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index wanes further, settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. To enjoy the sunshine while staying safe, make sure to take precautions, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, highlighting periods of higher risk for sun exposure. January and December see moderate UV levels (Index 3), with a burn time of about 30 minutes, while February experiences a slight increase (Index 4) maintaining a similar burn time. The risk escalates dramatically from March onward, reaching a high of 10 (very high) in the summer months of June, July, and August, where burn time diminishes to just 15 minutes. April and May also rank high (Index 8 and 9), necessitating vigilance. September remains very high (Index 8), transitioning to less intense levels in October (Index 6), and reverting to moderate conditions from November to December. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection, particularly during the high-risk months of March to September, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against harmful 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 |
| Petra | 3 | 4 | 7 | 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 |