Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Hellissandur, Iceland, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With the region’s ET climate, characterized by cool temperatures and fluctuating UV exposure levels, understanding these measurements can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, UV Index values can reach as high as 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By recognizing these UV levels, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the stunning Icelandic landscapes while taking the necessary precautions to protect their skin.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellissandur | 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 |