Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Potenza, Italy, where the sun's rays can be particularly strong. Understanding UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, especially during the peak hours of sunlight when the UV index can reach as high as 9. With a Csb climate, Potenza enjoys mild, Mediterranean conditions, but this also means an increased risk of UV exposure, particularly in the summer months. Being informed about the UV Index can help you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful Italian sunlight safely.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and steadily rising as the sun reaches its peak. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 6, reaching 8 at 11:00 and peaking at an intense 9 from 12:00 to 13:00. This period signifies the greatest caution for sun exposure, making it essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then declining further to 7 by 15:00, and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s a day that encourages sun safety awareness, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating changes in sun exposure risk. January and February have moderate UV levels (indices of 3 and 4) where the risk of sunburn is low to moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, March sees an increase to a high level of 6, prompting a burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk months transition into summer, peaking in June, July, and August with a maximum UV index of 10 (very high exposure) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and May also present very high conditions (UV indices of 8 and 9), so it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months. September starts a decline with a UV index of 8, returning to lower levels in October (6), and finally dropping to mild conditions in November (4) and December (2), where the burn times extend to 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. It's advisable for everyone to be vigilant and use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing from March through September when UV radiation is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Turin UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Rome UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Naples UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Potenza | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Palermo UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |