Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Akureyri, Iceland, where the unique climate demands careful attention to sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 6 during midday, awareness of these figures aids in preventing sunburn and ensuring long-term skin health. Given Akureyri's ET climate, where sun intensity can be deceptively high despite cooler temperatures, recognizing UV risks is vital for enjoying outdoor activities safely. Stay informed and protect your skin, as simple precautions can lead to healthier, fun-filled days under the northern sun!
Starting early in the morning, the UV Index gradually climbs, reaching a peak of 6 at noon and maintaining that level until 2 PM. By 7 AM, it’s a mild 1, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates to 5 by 11 AM. The highest point occurs at 12 PM, where caution is advised for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly dips to 5 at 3 PM, before gradually falling back to 2 by 7 PM. This pattern suggests that planning outdoor ventures during the midday hours warrants protective measures, while later hours are more forgiving for fun in the sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, affecting sun exposure risks throughout the year. From January to February, the UV index remains at 1, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. March sees a slight increase to 2, still categorized as low risk. However, a notable shift occurs in April, where the UV index rises to 4, marking a moderate risk with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months are May and June, both reaching a UV index of 6, demanding heightened sun protection as burn time falls to 25 minutes. July sees a slight decrease to 5 while remaining moderate, followed by August and September at 4 and 3, respectively. Light exposure risks drop again in October to a low index of 2 as the year closes with low risk months in November and December at 1. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high UV months (May to June), including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting time in direct sunlight, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest. Staying informed on UV levels can help protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Akureyri | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |