Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Karatepe, Turkey, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin's health. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa) characterized by hot, dry summers, residents and visitors alike face significant risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage during peak UV hours. The high UV levels in the afternoon, reaching up to 10, underscore the importance of being informed—protecting yourself against harmful rays can significantly reduce your risk of skin issues. By staying aware of daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful Turkish sun while prioritizing your skin's well-being.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day's sun exposure, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to its peak of 10 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. From the intense midday sun, where protection is essential, the index begins to dip—sliding down to 9 at 2:00 PM and continuing its decline through the afternoon, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of taking precautions during the peak hours, especially around noon when UV levels are at their highest. Embrace the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 seasons change, so does the intensity of UV radiation, significantly impacting the health and safety of residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index ranges from 4 to 5, characterized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March marks a transition into higher levels, reaching a 7 (high) with a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April through August, where the Index reaches 9 to 12, classified as very high to extreme, drastically reducing safe exposure times to as little as 10 minutes. As the summer wanes, the index lowers to 9 in September and 7 in October before tapering off again to 4 inNovember and 3 in December. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks of UV exposure.
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 |
| Karatepe | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |