Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Petralia Sottana, Italy, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is essential, especially during the peak hours when the index reaches a high of 11 around midday. With a Csa climate, residents and visitors alike are at risk of excessive UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Sicilian sun safely and protect your skin from 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting the potential for skin damage due to sun exposure. From January to February, the UV levels remain moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as early as March, the index rises to 7, indicating a high-risk month with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April and May, where the index peaks at 9, and again in June and July, reaching an extreme level of 11 with just 10 minutes of burn time. August and September also remain high at 10 and 9, respectively. As the year progresses into October, the risk decreases but still warrants caution. November and December bring the UV index back down to moderate levels. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of March to October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun 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 |
| Petralia Sottana | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |