Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zafferana Etnea, Italy, where sunlight can be both a source of beauty and a cause for caution. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers, it’s essential to recognize the varying UV levels throughout the day, particularly the peak between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM when the index soars to a significant 10-11. Being aware of these levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the stunning surroundings safely. As you explore this picturesque town nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, stay informed about the UV Index to protect your skin and make the most of your time in this sun-kissed paradise.
The UV Index for today starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM, then gradually increases as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it hits 6, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity keeps climbing, reaching a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, making this the most crucial time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, then further to 2 by the evening, signalling a return to a safer UV environment. Remember, protecting your skin is vital during those peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM!
| 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 | 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 | 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 |