Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pamukkale, Turkey, where the sun shines brightly and temperatures soar, particularly in the warm Mediterranean climate. With UV levels often reaching a peak of 11 around midday, awareness of these readings can help prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health. The unique geological wonders of Pamukkale, combined with its stunning natural landscapes, make it a must-visit destination, but they also come with high exposure risks. By paying attention to the UV Index, you can enjoy your time outdoors while keeping your skin protected against harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index data highlights a dramatic rise in sun intensity as the day progresses. Starting early at 1 around 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 10 by noon, peaking at a staggering 11 at 1:00 PM. This is the moment when UV exposure becomes most concerning, emphasizing the importance of sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gracefully tapers down, dipping to 8 by 3:00 PM and further declining to 4 by 5:00 PM. By the time evening rolls in, the UV Index settles back to 1 at 7:00 PM, signaling a reprieve from the midday sun. This data can be a crucial guide for planning outdoor activities safely throughout the day.
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to August. During this period, the index reaches very high levels of 8 to 10 from March to May, peaking at an extreme level of 11 in June, July, and August, where the burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 9 in September and further to 7 in October, with more moderate UV levels in the late fall and winter months of November and December, where burn times are extended back to 30 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to be especially cautious during the high-risk months, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen during peak hours when exposure levels are at their highest.
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 |
| Pamukkale | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |