Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Karatas, Turkey, a region that experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, sunny summers. As UV levels can peak at a striking 11 during midday, awareness of this index is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With high UV exposure risks primarily between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, knowing the daily UV forecast empowers you to take proactive measures, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe under the warm Turkish sun.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun quickly ramps up its intensity. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, but things really heat up as the clock strikes 9:00 AM with a 5. The peak sun hours are between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to a significant 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After noon, the Index begins a gradual decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM and then to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV intensity. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. High-risk months typically occur from March to September, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11. During this time, burn time can be as short as 10 minutes, underscoring the importance of protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially in the very high and extreme categories. As we transition into fall and winter, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in November and December, allowing for safer outdoor activities, but vigilance is still warranted.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Bursa UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Izmir UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Karatas | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Ankara UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Adana UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |