Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kars, Turkey is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health in this stunning region. With UV levels peaking at 12 during the midday sun, awareness of these harmful rays can be the key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Kars experiences a Dfb climate, characterized by its cold winters and mild summers, yet it also presents unique UV exposure risks during the sunny months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
The UV Index data reveals a notable progression in sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates, peaking at a striking 12 by noon, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually recedes, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and further decreasing to 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern suggests that the sun’s intensity is at its most dangerous during the late morning and early afternoon, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen and protective measures during these critical hours. Stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months emerging from late spring to mid-summer. Notably, May to August present extreme UV Index levels of 11 to 12, with burn times dropping as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, March and April also pose considerable risks, classifying as very high with burn times of 15 minutes. As winter approaches, from November to February, the UV Index moderates to between 3 and 5, allowing a more comfortable burn time of 30 minutes. To protect yourself, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Kars | 3 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |