Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zara, Turkey, where the unique Dfb climate can lead to fluctuating sun exposure throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 during midday, being aware of UV risks is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can dramatically reduce the risk of skin damage. As Zara basks in its vibrant sunlight, an informed approach to UV levels will help you enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 2, gradually climbing to 3 as the day breaks. As the sun rises higher, a significant jump occurs at 09:00 with a UV Index of 6, and by 10:00, it reaches 8. The peak intensity is recorded between 11:00 and 13:00, soaring to a 12, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. A steady decline starts from 14:00 with a UV Index of 10, tapering off to 8 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels drop significantly, ending the day at a much safer 1 by 18:00 and remaining constant through 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure. High-risk months for UV exposure are from March to August, peaking in May and June with an extreme UV Index of 11-12, where the burn time dramatically shortens to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is at its strongest. The transition to fall and winter brings lower UV levels; however, even in January and December, while the risk is moderate with indices of 4 and 3 respectively, it’s still wise to remain vigilant against potential skin damage.
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 |
| Zara | 4 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |