Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Grundarhverfi, Iceland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn but also for reducing long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by cool temperatures and variable weather patterns, Grundarhverfi experiences notable UV exposure—especially around midday when the index peaks at 5. Familiarizing yourself with the local UV Index can empower you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely and effectively.
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, the UV Index experiences notable changes, reflecting the shifting intensity of sunlight. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, with a relatively safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, there is a slight increase to 2, still categorized as low. However, April and May see a rise to 4 and 5 respectively, indicating a moderate exposure risk, with burn times decreasing to 30 minutes. The peak high-risk months occur from June to July, where the UV Index reaches 6, necessitating stricter sun protection due to a burn time of only 25 minutes. As the summer wanes, August sees a drop to 4, and by September, the index is at 3. Moving into the cooler months, October returns to low levels at 2, and by November and December, it drops back to 1. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents to be particularly cautious and to protect their skin during the high UV months of June and July. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak sunlight hours are strongly advised during these times, while maintaining a relaxed approach during the lower UV months.
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 |
| 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 |
| Grundarhverfi | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Akureyri UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |