Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Kirikkale, Turkey, where sun exposure can significantly affect skin health. Being aware of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also reduces the long-term risk of skin damage and melanoma. Kirikkale, with its Mediterranean climate, typically experiences high UV exposure, especially during summer months. With midday UV levels reaching a maximum of 12, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the sun safely.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a modest 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises, so does the intensity of UV radiation, reaching 3 by 08:00 and climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it hits 5, and at 10:00, we see an increase to 7. The UV Index peaks dramatically between 12:00 and 13:00, soaring to 11 and reaching an afternoon high of 12 during the sun's zenith. As the day progresses into the afternoon, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 at 14:00 before descending to 8 at 15:00. The evening hours bring a gentle decline, with values going down to 3 by 17:00, and finally tapering off to 1 by 19:00, showcasing the dynamic nature of UV exposure throughout the day. Remember to protect your skin, especially during those 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels typically occurring during the summer months. From March to September, UV levels rise sharply, peaking in June and July at an extreme index of 12 and 11 respectively, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from March through September, as these months include high-risk periods with very high to extreme exposure categories. April and May also present notable risks, with a UV Index of 9 and 10 and burn times of 15 minutes. During the cooler months, from October to February, UV levels drop to moderate, and the risk of sunburn is lower, yet it's still advisable to take precautions on sunny days, particularly in winter. To ensure safety, individuals should apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
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 |
| Kirikkale | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |