Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Grundarfjörður, Iceland is crucial for safeguarding your skin and preventing sunburn, especially during the long daylight hours of summer. With UV levels peaking at a 5 around midday, awareness of these levels can help you make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring your outdoor adventures remain enjoyable and safe. The ET climate here presents unique exposure risks due to its frequent clear skies in summer, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay alert to UV changes throughout the day. Embrace the beauty of this breathtaking area while prioritizing your skin health!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a steady climb in intensity, peaking during the midday hours. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises to 2 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, the index reaches 3, and by 11:00 AM, it escalates to 4, remaining steady until 1:00 PM. The highest point of 5 occurs at 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 PM, marking the peak sun exposure moments. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 4 at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, then descending to 3 at 5:00 PM, and finally returning to 2 and 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM respectively. It’s a day where sun safety is crucial, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM when the intensity is at its highest.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences noticeable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the index remains low (1), allowing for a generous burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, March sees a slight rise to 2, indicating some caution is necessary. April marks the beginning of moderate exposure with an index of 3 and decreasing burn time to 30 minutes, which continues through September where the index varies between 3 to 5. The high-risk months for sun exposure are May to August, where indices reach 5, necessitating vigilant sun protection. As fall arrives, the index decreases back to lower levels by October, and remains low through December. Visitors and residents should plan outdoor activities accordingly, especially during the high-risk months, ensuring they apply sunscreen and seek shade when UV levels are elevated.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grundarfjoerdur | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 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 |