Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Akureyri, Iceland, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during the summer months when UV radiation can peak at a moderate level of 6 between noon and early afternoon. Nestled in a cool ET climate, Akureyri experiences unique sunlight patterns that can catch residents and visitors off guard. As you explore the stunning landscapes, remember that even in less sunny conditions, taking precautions against UV exposure is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear peak in intensity, rising steadily from a gentle 1 at 07:00 to an assertive maximum of 6 between 12:00 and 14:00. This midday surge emphasizes the importance of sun protection, as the index then gracefully descends back to 1 by 19:00. From 08:00 to 11:00, values increase moderately, showcasing an inviting morning glow, while midday hours certainly warrant caution as the sun reaches its zenith. After 15:00, a gradual decline signals a retreat of UV intensity, allowing a more relaxed late afternoon. Armed with this timely information, outdoor enthusiasts can plan their activities with sun safety in mind!
| 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 | 1 | 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 |