Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for enjoying the sun-soaked beauty of Ios, Greece. This charming island, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the peak summer months. Knowing the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With an index that peaks at 10 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for both locals and travelers alike. The BSk climate brings hot, dry summers that intensify UV radiation, making it vital to stay informed and safe while basking in Ios’s picturesque landscapes.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The heat peaks around 12:00, reaching a blistering 9, and hits its maximum at 13:00 and 14:00, both at a high of 10—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the UV Index gradually dips; by 18:00, it's down to 2, and as twilight approaches, it settles back at 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Ios | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |