Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Elmadag, Turkey—a region that experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote long-term skin health, as the ultraviolet radiation can be particularly intense during peak hours. With UV Index values soaring to 11 around midday, it’s essential to remain vigilant about sun safety. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or soaking up the sun, understanding the fluctuations in UV exposure from morning to afternoon will help you enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting your skin.
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index starts off low at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises, the intensity increases steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 AM and escalating to 5 by 09:00 AM. The sun's rays peak dramatically, hitting 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, suggesting a need for sun protection. After the zenith, the index gradually declines, ranging from 10 at 2:00 PM to 8 by 3:00 PM, before falling to 2 by 6:00 PM and 1 again by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of safeguarding from UV exposure during the midday 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 | 10 | 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (3-4), allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. However, as we move into March, the index spikes to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk months that peak during the summer. In April and May, the index rises to very high levels (8-10), reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. The extreme levels (11) in June and July necessitate even greater caution, permitting only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. August and September continue to pose risks with very high levels (8-10) before tapering off in October. By November and December, the UV Index falls back to moderate and low categories (4-2), allowing longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should remain vigilant, especially from March through September, employing sun protection strategies such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize health risks.
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 |
| Ankara UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Elmadag | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Adana UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |