Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Toprakkale, Turkey, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for everyone, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. With a Mediterranean climate characteristic of long, sunny summers and a peak UV Index that can soar to 11 during midday, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant. Stay informed to safeguard your skin against the intense UV exposure that this beautiful region can bring.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun quickly ramps up its intensity. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, but things really heat up as the clock strikes 9:00 AM with a 5. The peak sun hours are between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to a significant 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After noon, the Index begins a gradual decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM and then to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV intensity. Remember to protect your skin 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
| Toprakkale | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |