Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Ortakoey, Turkey, where the Mediterranean climate brings generous sunshine throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, especially in a region where UV exposure can peak dramatically with an Index reaching as high as 11 around noon. With such intense sunlight, it's crucial to understand the daily UV fluctuations—ranging from a moderate 3 in the morning to an extreme 10 shortly after. Protecting yourself against harmful ultraviolet rays is key to enjoying the beautiful weather Ortakoey has to offer, while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a distinct pattern, peaking at a startling 11 at noon, indicating very high sun exposure. As the sun rises, the index grows gradually from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM to a 6 by mid-morning. The intensity reaches its zenith at 11:00 AM with a 10, making it crucial to seek shade or wear sun protection. In the early afternoon, the index maintains a high level at 10, before gradually declining to 6 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of midday sun safety, reminding everyone to take precautions when UV levels are highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
As the year progresses, seasonal changes in the UV Index reveal varying levels of sun exposure risk for residents and visitors. The highest UV exposure occurs from May to July, marked by an extreme category UV Index of 11 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. April and August also present significant risks, with very high UV levels of 9 and 10, respectively. The high-risk months to be particularly cautious in are therefore April through August. During these periods, it is crucial for individuals to take protective measures such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and to seek shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, winter months like November and December show lower UV Index values around 3 to 4, allowing for safer outdoor activities with less concern for sunburn.
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 |
| Ortakoey | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |