Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Stykkisholmur, Iceland is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially as UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day. With a climate classified as ET, the region may not always seem like a sunburn risk, but when UV Index values reach 5 or higher, it’s important to take precautions. Being aware of these levels allows residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting their skin from potential harm. Whether you’re exploring the charming coastal scenery or enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll, knowing the UV index empowers you to make informed decisions about sun safety in Stykkisholmur's unique environment.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, making for a gentle welcome to the sun. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, and peaks just before noon with a noticeable 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually starts to decline after 1:00 PM, easing back down to 4 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 2 at 6:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, it dips back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stykkisholmur | 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 |