Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Olafsvik, Iceland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the long, bright summer days. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect themselves from potential skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. With an ET climate characterized by cool temperatures and varying cloud cover, Olafsvik may seem less prone to UV exposure, but the peak UV Index can reach as high as 5 during midday. This means that even in this picturesque coastal town, it’s essential to stay informed and take precautions when basking in the beautiful Icelandic sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually increases, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a noticeable 4, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak occurs around 11:00 AM to 14:00 PM, with a high of 5, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the index maintains a steady 5 until 3:00 PM before gently tapering off, returning to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV levels drop further to 2 by 7:00 PM, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's fading influence. Embrace the midday sun safely to enjoy the day’s warmth!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olafsvik | 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 |