Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Reydarfjörður, Iceland, where even modest sun exposure can lead to skin damage. The UV levels here typically peak around midday, with a maximum index reaching as high as 6—indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being informed about these levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. Given Reydarfjörður’s unique ET climate, which combines cool temperatures with intermittent sunny spells, it’s essential to be aware of UV risks to enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay sun-smart and safeguard your skin while exploring this beautiful region!
Throughout the day, the UV Index (UVI) exhibits a dynamic pattern that peaks during the midday hours. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index begins at a mild level of 2, gradually rising to 3 by 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its zenith between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UVI hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index decreases, signaling a decline in UV intensity; it drops back to 3 by 5:00 PM and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Make sure to stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 levels undergo significant seasonal changes, influencing sun exposure risks. From January to March, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 2 in March, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes without significant risk. As spring turns to summer, April to July reveal a notable rise, with the UV Index reaching 6 in June, indicating a high risk for sunburn and shortening the safe burn time to 25 minutes. May and July boast moderate levels, while August sees a decrease to 4. The fall months of September to November revert to lower categories, with burn times extending back to 45 minutes in the late year. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of June and July, using sunscreen and protective clothing to mitigate UV exposure, while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the seasons.
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 |
| Reydarfjoerdur | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Akureyri UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |