Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ardahan, Turkey is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health under the sun. With peak UV levels reaching 12 in the midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Ardahan's Dfb climate brings varied conditions, with intense UV rays during the summer months, making it vital for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV levels. Safeguarding against harmful ultraviolet radiation can significantly enhance your outdoor experience while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
Starting from early morning, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically at 12 around noon. From 07:00, when it starts at a mild 2, it climbs steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00 and hitting 7 by 09:00. The intensity of UV radiation escalates significantly, reaching 9 at 10:00 and soaring to its zenith of 11 by 11:00. The sun’s rays are most potent at 12:00, with the index peaking at 12—a reminder to prioritize sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 at 14:00, then to 7 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 4 at 16:00. Finally, the evening brings relief as the UV Index falls to 2 at 17:00, and by sunset, it settles at a mere 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This daily UV cycle highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |