Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Grindavik, Iceland, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels is crucial as it helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health, especially in a region where the climate can lead to unexpected peaks in sun exposure. With a typical maximum UV Index reaching 5 during midday hours, residents and visitors must stay informed to enjoy the beautiful landscape safely while minimizing risks associated with UV radiation. Whether you’re exploring the stunning geothermal sites or enjoying the local culture, knowing how to safeguard your skin is paramount.
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 |
| Grindavik | 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 |