Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Alftanes, Iceland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the sun peeking through the clouds, even at lower UV levels, the risk of skin damage can accumulate, making awareness essential. Alftanes, characterized by a Cfc climate, experiences varied UV exposure throughout the day, typically soaring to a maximum of 5 around midday. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun responsibly, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience outdoors.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, making for a gentle welcome to the sun. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, and peaks just before noon with a noticeable 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually starts to decline after 1:00 PM, easing back down to 4 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 2 at 6:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, it dips back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit notable seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January through March sees a low UV Index (1-2), where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure remains minimal, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. April and May usher in a moderate UV Index (3-5), increasing risk with recommended protection measures; burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months of June and July peak at a UV Index of 6, necessitating strict sun safety practices due to a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually lowers from 4 in August to 3 in September and back to 2 in October, where sun exposure risk diminishes again to profile low levels (1-2) in November and December. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during the higher UV Index months, particularly in late spring and summer, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Alftanes | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Gardabaer UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Hafnarfjoerdur UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Kopavogur UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Akureyri UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |