Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Þorlákshöfn, Iceland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day helps you take the necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With the town's Cfc climate, residents and visitors alike can experience varying UV exposure, particularly peaking during midday hours when the index reaches a maximum of 5. Being informed about these levels not only allows you to enjoy the beautiful Icelandic outdoors safely but also safeguards your skin from potentially harmful effects. Stay vigilant and make sun safety a priority!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 by 07:00, before gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches 3, hinting at a day where protection from the sun becomes increasingly important. Midday marks the highest point of the day, with the index soaring to 5 from 12:00 to 14:00—a reminder to seek shade and wear sunscreen. The afternoon brings a slight dip, descending back to 4 at 16:00 and 3 by 17:00. As evening sets in, the index diminishes, concluding the day with a gentle 1 at 19:00. Stay savvy about sun safety as you navigate these varying UV levels!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit notable seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January through March sees a low UV Index (1-2), where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure remains minimal, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. April and May usher in a moderate UV Index (3-5), increasing risk with recommended protection measures; burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months of June and July peak at a UV Index of 6, necessitating strict sun safety practices due to a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually lowers from 4 in August to 3 in September and back to 2 in October, where sun exposure risk diminishes again to profile low levels (1-2) in November and December. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during the higher UV Index months, particularly in late spring and summer, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| THorlakshoefn | 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 |