Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nikaia, Greece, where the sun graces us with warmth and brightness, particularly during the summer months. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only to prevent painful sunburns but also to promote long-term skin health. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, the UV exposure risks can be significant—reaching a peak of 11 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days in Nikaia while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index shows a dynamic hike in intensity throughout the day. Starting from the early morning, the index begins low, with a score of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the sun climbs higher, so does the UV exposure, peaking at an impressive 11 by 13:00. This is the time to be particularly cautious outdoors! Following this zenith, the UV Index starts to taper off, descending to 10 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index drops further to 1 by 19:00, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without the intense sun protection needed earlier in the day. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which is crucial for understanding sun exposure risks. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate at 3 to 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk of burning. However, as March approaches, the index climbs to 6, indicating a shift to high risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The period from April to September marks the high-risk months for sun exposure, peaking at 11 in June, where only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure is safe. July and August maintain a 10 with a burn time of 15 minutes. By October, the index drops to 6, signaling a gradual decrease in risk, which continues through the winter months of November and December with indices reverting back to moderate levels at 4 and 3 respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high UV months, practicing sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate potential harm from increased 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 |
| Nikaia | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 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 |