Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nordurthing, Iceland, where the unique climate can present specific sun exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for protecting skin health in the long term. With a cool, polar climate (ET) and UV levels peaking at a moderate 5 during midday hours, it's important to take proactive measures to safeguard your skin, especially when outdoor activities are at their height. Stay informed and enjoy the beauty of Nordurthing with confidence!
The UV Index starts off low at 07:00 with a maximum of 1, making it a gentle morning for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the index rises, peaking at 5 between 12:00 and 15:00, signaling the most intense sun exposure, which calls for protective measures like sunscreen and protective clothing. The afternoon sun's intensity is tempered after 15:00, with the index gradually decreasing to 4 at 16:00, and then further dwindling to 1 by 19:00, inviting a cool evening. Staying aware of these hourly fluctuations helps you enjoy the sunshine safely throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, indicating a need for careful sun protection. From January to March, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for up to 45 minutes of safe sun exposure without risk. As spring arrives in April and May, the UV Index rises to moderate levels (3-5), with recommended burn times decreasing to 30 minutes. The summer months of June and July present the highest risk with a peak UV Index of 6; during this period, safe exposure time drops to 25 minutes. While August and September see a gradual decrease, the UV Index remains moderate (4-3), requiring continued vigilance. The fall and winter months of October through December return to low levels (1-2), with burn times extending back to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of June and July, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to safeguard against UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nordurthing | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |