Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Ardahan, Turkey, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the UV levels can help you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect your long-term skin health, especially during the peak exposure hours when the index reaches a maximum of 11. Ardahan's climate, classified as Dfb, features cold winters and warm summers, meaning that understanding the UV exposure risks associated with sunny days is vital for both residents and visitors enjoying outdoor activities. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can ensure you stay safe and make the most of the beautiful sunshine Ardahan has to offer.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable pattern of increasing solar intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. From 07:00, where the index starts at a modest 2, it escalates steadily, reaching 6 by 09:00 and peaking at a significant 11 between 11:00 and 13:00. This peak indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to take necessary precautions. Following this intense midday period, the index gradually decreases, dropping back to 4 by 16:00 before settling at 1 by 19:00. The data underscores the importance of being mindful of UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. During this period, peak UV Index values reach 11 in May and June, categorizing these months as extreme, where sensitive individuals can burn in just 10 minutes. March and April see very high levels (UV Index 8 and 9), reducing safe exposure times to 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, September and October remain relatively high at 9 and 7, respectively, allowing for burn times of 15 and 25 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December report moderate levels (UV Index 3 to 5), with burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take these variations into account, especially during high-risk months; protection against UV exposure—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—is strongly recommended to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Adana UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Ardahan | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |