Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cankaya, Turkey is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. With a Mediterranean climate, Cankaya experiences substantial UV exposure, particularly during the summer months when UV levels can reach alarming heights. From mid-morning to early afternoon, the index often soars above 7, signaling a high risk for harmful effects from sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV levels, residents can take proactive steps to protect themselves and ensure their enjoyment of the outdoors while safeguarding their skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, where it reaches a striking 10, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. 13:00 sees an even higher point of 11, making it crucial for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to descend—falling to 8 by 15:00 and tapering off to a more manageable 3 by 17:00. The day concludes with a soft decline, dropping back to 1 by 19:00. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of protecting skin during the midday sun to prevent damage and ensure safety.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the most critical months for sun exposure occurring from March to August. During this period, particularly in June and July, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes; thus, it's crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade. In March and April, as the UV Index rises to a very high 8, individuals should remain vigilant with a burn time of only 15 minutes. Conversely, from November to February, the UV Index tends to be lower, ranging from 2 to 4, allowing for more extended safe exposure times. However, even in these months, UV precautions remain essential, especially during midday hours. To safeguard skin health, everyone is advised to remain aware of the changing UV conditions and adjust their sun protection strategies accordingly.
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 |
| Cankaya | 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |