Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Oia, Greece is essential for both locals and visitors who want to enjoy the stunning beauty of this picturesque village while prioritizing their skin health. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday, it's crucial to stay informed about the potential risks of sun exposure, especially when it comes to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Oia’s Mediterranean climate brings warm, sunny days, which can elevate UV exposure—making awareness of the UV Index even more important. By knowing the UV levels throughout the day, you can plan your outdoor activities effectively and protect your skin under the glorious Greek sun.
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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which indicate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. January and December have moderate UV levels (3), requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before the risk of burning increases. February sees an uptick to a UV Index of 5, maintaining a similar burn time. From March through October, the UV Index escalates, peaking at 10 from May to August, classifying these months as very high risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April also falls into the very high category with a UV Index of 9. As fall approaches, September sees a slight decrease to 8, while October returns to a high level of 7. The high-risk months to be especially cautious are from March to October, where prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during these peak months.
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 |
| Oia | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |