Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque coastal town of Positano, Italy, awareness of the UV Index is paramount for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health—especially in a place where the sun shines brightly. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa), Positano typically experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 9. This makes it crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take appropriate sun safety measures to enjoy the stunning Amalfi Coast without compromising their skin's well-being.
Today’s UV Index paints a vivid picture of sun intensity as it peaks at 9 around 1 PM, marking the day’s sunniest hour. Starting off gently, the index rises from a mild 1 at 7 AM to a moderate 3 by 9 AM. As the sun climbs higher, intensity surges, hitting 5 by 10 AM and reaching a noticeable 7 at 11 AM. The zenith occurs at 12 PM with a high of 8, before peaking at 9 at 1 PM. Following this, the index gradually wanes, dropping back to 6 by 3 PM and tapering off as twilight approaches, landing at a low of 1 by 7 PM. Make sure to take precautions during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 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 |
| Positano | 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 |