Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Porto Cheli, Greece, awareness of the UV Index is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the summer months when UV levels can soar. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV exposure enables residents and visitors alike to make informed choices about sun protection. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa) characterized by warm, sunny days, Porto Cheli often experiences peak UV levels reaching 10 around midday, posing significant risks for skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Greek sun while safeguarding your skin for years to come.
During the day, the UV Index fluctuates, providing a clear picture of sunlight intensity. Morning hours see a gentle rise, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and jumping to an intense 7 by 11:00 AM. The hottest moment arrives at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a peak of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 6 at 4:00 PM and gradually descending to 1 by 7:00 PM, suggesting that early morning and late evening are the most favorable times to bask in the sun 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 10, indicating a very high exposure category, which corresponds to a burn time as brief as 15 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index drops to moderate levels of 3 in January and December, allowing for a safer exposure duration of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the UV Index lessens after September, the risk of skin damage declines significantly, but caution should still be practiced in October.
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 |
| 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 |
| Porto Cheli | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |