Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Flúðir, Iceland, where even moderate sun exposure can pose risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at 6 during midday, being informed can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Flúðir's Cfc climate delivers unique weather patterns, which means that UV exposure can fluctuate significantly. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Icelandic outdoors safely, ensuring your skin stays protected while you soak up the scenic landscapes.
The UV Index rises steadily through the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, then climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, it hits a maximum of 6 at both 13:00 and 14:00, signifying a high potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity then begins to wane, dropping back to 5 by 15:00 and gradually descending to 2 by 19:00. It’s advisable to stay protected when the index reaches 5 or higher, especially during the midday hours when the sunlight is strongest. So, prepare for vibrant outdoor activities in the morning and evening, but take caution during the peak hours of 11:00 to 14:00!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable changes, reflecting the shifting intensity of sunlight. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, with a relatively safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, there is a slight increase to 2, still categorized as low. However, April and May see a rise to 4 and 5 respectively, indicating a moderate exposure risk, with burn times decreasing to 30 minutes. The peak high-risk months occur from June to July, where the UV Index reaches 6, necessitating stricter sun protection due to a burn time of only 25 minutes. As the summer wanes, August sees a drop to 4, and by September, the index is at 3. Moving into the cooler months, October returns to low levels at 2, and by November and December, it drops back to 1. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents to be particularly cautious and to protect their skin during the high UV months of June and July. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak sunlight hours are strongly advised during these times, while maintaining a relaxed approach during the lower UV months.
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 UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fludir | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |