Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland, is crucial for ensuring your health and well-being while enjoying the stunning landscapes this coastal village has to offer. With typical UV exposure levels peaking at 6 during midday, being aware of these levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Situated in a unique ET climate zone, Vík can experience varying UV levels that, combined with its picturesque scenery, may lead to unintended overexposure. Stay informed to make the most of your outdoor adventures while safeguarding your skin!
Starting early in the morning, the UV Index gradually climbs, reaching a peak of 6 at noon and maintaining that level until 2 PM. By 7 AM, it’s a mild 1, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates to 5 by 11 AM. The highest point occurs at 12 PM, where caution is advised for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly dips to 5 at 3 PM, before gradually falling back to 2 by 7 PM. This pattern suggests that planning outdoor ventures during the midday hours warrants protective measures, while later hours are more forgiving for fun in the sun.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates seasonally, reflecting changes in sun strength and associated risk levels throughout the year. January through March sees low UV levels (1-2) with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May experience an increase to moderate exposure (4-5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The risk peaks in June and July, where the UV Index reaches 6, categorizing it as high risk, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This is followed by a slight decrease in August (UV Index 5) and September (UV Index 3), both retaining moderate exposure. By October to December, levels fall back to low (1-2), allowing for a safer burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution and use sun protection during high-risk months (June and July), while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the year to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Vik i Myrdal | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |