Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone spending time in Sardinia, Greece, where the sun can be quite intense, especially during the summer months. Being aware of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Sardinia, with its Mediterranean climate, experiences significant UV exposure that peaks during midday, reaching levels that can cause harm in just minutes. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful Sardinian beaches safely!
The UV Index today reveals a dynamic shift in sunlight intensity, peaking around noon. Starting off at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index soars to 4 at 10:00 AM, then reaches a warning level of 7 by 11:00 AM. The true intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, where the index peaks at an impressive 9, soon followed by a maximum of 10 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index decreases to 9 at 3:00 PM, then gently retreats to 4 by 5:00 PM, and further down to a cooling 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to take precautions during the midday hours to protect your skin from the strongest UV rays!
| 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 | 4 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV Index reveal important trends for residents and visitors. From January to February, UV levels are moderate with an index of 3 to 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As we move into March, the index rises to 6, indicating high risk, while April and May see a sharp increase to 8 and 10, categorized as very high. The peak of UV intensity occurs in June, with an extreme index of 11, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are clearly defined from April through September, where the index remains at very high to extreme levels, necessitating extra caution. Recommendations for all individuals include seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, especially during these months to mitigate the risk of overexposure. As fall approaches, UV levels begin to decline, with October showing high levels, and conditions returning to moderate by December. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take appropriate precautions during these key periods.
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 |
| Sardinia | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |