Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Caltabellotta, Italy, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as exposure to high UV radiation can lead to both immediate and long-term effects. Nestled in a Mediterranean climate zone, Caltabellotta experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between the 10 AM and 3 PM hours, when levels can reach a peak of 11. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Sicilian sunshine while protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling a notable increase in solar radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10 and continues to soar to a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, marking the hour of greatest exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off—dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and 8 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index gracefully descends to 4 at 5:00 PM, settling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during mid-day when UV rays are at their 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring in the summer months. From March onwards, the UV levels rise sharply, reaching a peak in July with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The most critical months for sun exposure are April, May, June, and July, categorized as very high to extreme, where even short periods in the sun can result in skin damage. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present a moderate risk, with UV indices of 3 to 5 and longer burn times of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures, especially between April and August, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Palermo UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Caltabellotta | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |