Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kavak, Turkey, where the climate, classified as Csb, features warm summers and mild winters. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Protecting yourself from high UV exposure not only helps avoid painful burns but also reduces long-term skin damage. With the sun's intensity varying throughout the day, being informed about local UV levels allows you to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Kavak while safeguarding your well-being.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting a striking 11, where protective measures are essential. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, it returns to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day marked by a significant solar intensity that calls for vigilance during the 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes significantly impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through October, when the UV Index frequently reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at a dangerous 11 in June. During these months, burn times decrease sharply, with only 10 minutes of safe exposure in June. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from April to September, to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, during the winter months of December and January, the UV Index is much lower, allowing for more extended safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes.
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 |
| Kavak | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |