Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Pompei, Italy is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health while enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean climate. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, with levels peaking from 12 PM to 2 PM, reaching as high as 10. Awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during Pompei's warm summers, where outdoor activities and sightseeing are common. With UV exposure risks increasing significantly during the day, being informed can help you safeguard against harmful effects while exploring the rich history of this ancient city.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index rises dramatically throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the levels gradually escalate, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and hitting 4 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 10 around 1:00 PM, marking the most critical time for sun safety. From this peak, the index gently descends, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then tapering down to 3 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index diminishes to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It's essential to stay protected during the mid-day heat, especially when the UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure changes significantly, with the highest risk months occurring between May and September. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 10 in June and July, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. In contrast, the months of January and December have a much lower UV Index of 3 and 2 respectively, classified as moderate and low, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 and 45 minutes before burning occurs. Visitors and residents are advised to take preventive measures, especially during the high-risk months of March to September, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Pompei | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Naples UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Palermo UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |