Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bodrum, Turkey, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels soaring to 10 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. This vibrant coastal town, known for its Mediterranean climate, experiences high UV exposure, particularly in the summer months when outdoor activities abound. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy Bodrum's stunning beaches while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which indicate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. January and December have moderate UV levels (3), requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before the risk of burning increases. February sees an uptick to a UV Index of 5, maintaining a similar burn time. From March through October, the UV Index escalates, peaking at 10 from May to August, classifying these months as very high risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April also falls into the very high category with a UV Index of 9. As fall approaches, September sees a slight decrease to 8, while October returns to a high level of 7. The high-risk months to be especially cautious are from March to October, where prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during these peak months.
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 |
| Bodrum | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |