Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Harbiye, Turkey, being mindful of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index serves as a valuable guide for understanding sun intensity, helping residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Harbiye's Csa climate, characterized by warm summers and ample sunshine, UV exposure can peak dramatically—reaching levels as high as 11 around midday. Staying informed about UV levels is crucial for enjoying the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting a striking 11, where protective measures are essential. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, it returns to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day marked by a significant solar intensity that calls for vigilance during the peak 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV index levels vary significantly, marking distinct seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April to August, particularly peaking in June and July with an extreme UV Index of 11, where the recommended burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As the season transitions into late summer and fall, the UV Index begins to decrease, but it's still important to remain cautious, especially in March and September where the index reaches high to very high levels. In contrast, the winter months of November and December present moderate UV levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 30 minutes. Always prioritize skin safety and remain informed about daily UV forecasts.
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 |
| Harbiye | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |