Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zafferana Etnea, Italy, where the stunning climate of the Mediterranean Csa zone can present unique sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. During the peak hours of intensity, such as from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the index can reach as high as 10, indicating very high levels of ultraviolet radiation. This knowledge empowers you to take necessary precautions, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin protected from harmful UV rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months are predominantly from April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly in July, which has the highest value of 11. These elevated levels correspond to a drastically reduced burn time, with just 10-15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended during this period. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, November, and December, the UV Index tends to be lower, categorized as moderate, allowing for safer sun exposure with burn times of 30 minutes. Given these variations, it's crucial for residents and visitors to take appropriate sun safety precautions, particularly from late spring to mid-summer, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak 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 |
| Zafferana Etnea | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |