Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sapanca, Turkey is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As a beautiful region with a climate that offers ample sunlight, awareness of UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index values reaching 10 around midday, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures during the sunniest hours. By understanding the typical risks associated with Sapanca's climate, you can enjoy its stunning outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its ascent, with a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it begins to climb, reaching 2, signaling a reminder to take care. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, where the index peaks at 6, escalating to a scorching 9 by noon. The hottest moment arrives at 13:00, showcasing a dramatic 10—a level that demands serious sun protection. Although the UV level begins to drop after this peak, it remains notable; at 14:00, it settles at 9, then declines gently, hitting 3 by 17:00. As daylight fades towards the evening, it tapers off to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit notable seasonal variations that pose different risks for skin exposure. During the early months (January and February), the UV Index remains moderate (3-4), allowing for a safer burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring emerges in March (UV Index 6) and April (UV Index 7), the risk escalates to high, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. Peak UV levels occur in May, June, and July, where the index soars to 10, categorized as very high, necessitating a cut down to 15 minutes of safe exposure. August sees a slight decline but remains very high (UV Index 9), while September returns to high levels (UV Index 7), extending the burn time back to 25 minutes. As the year transitions into fall and winter, UV exposure decreases significantly, with October and November reverting to moderate categories (4-5) and a burn time of 30 minutes, before dropping to a low index (UV 2) in December, offering up to 45 minutes of safe exposure. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months of May through September, employing sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, 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 |
| Sapanca | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |