Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Folegandros, Greece, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday hours, awareness can be the key to preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. The island's BSk climate brings sunny days and bright rays, making it vital to stay informed about UV risks throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of Folegandros while protecting themselves from the damaging effects of the sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a remarkable rise, peaking at 10 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting the morning at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs as the sun ascends, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and rapidly accelerating to 8 by 11:00 AM. After reaching its zenith at noon, the readings gradually decline through the afternoon, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and falling further to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that careful sun protection is essential during the midday hours when the sun's strength is at its most intense.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the index remains at a moderate level (3 to 5), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to 7 (high), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are from April to September, where the index hits 9 to 10 (very high), with a mere 15 minutes of safe exposure. October sees a decrease to 7 (high), with an increased burn time of 25 minutes, while November and December return to a moderate level of 4 and 3, respectively, allowing 30 minutes before sunburn occurs. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, especially in the high-risk months of April through September, by wearing sunscreen, 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 |
| 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 |
| Folegandros | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |