Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hvammstangi, Iceland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health, especially during the sunniest months. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage. With a climate classified as ET, residents and visitors often encounter varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking in the afternoon hours with indices reaching up to 5. Staying informed about these levels can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful Icelandic outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, signaling the need for a bit of caution. The UV intensity peaks at 5 from 12:00 to 15:00, a crucial time when protective measures are essential for outdoor activities. After this midday high, the index gradually declines, reaching 4 by 16:00 and dropping back to 2 by 19:00. This hourly progression highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those peak hours when the UV rays are at their strongest. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hvammstangi | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 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 |