Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zara, Turkey is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. With a climate classified as Dfb, Zara enjoys warm summers that can lead to elevated UV levels, especially during midday when the index peaks at 11. Being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities safely. With UV exposure rising dramatically from 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM, staying informed can make a significant difference in your daily sun protection strategies.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it jumps to 3, signaling an increase in sun intensity. The real peak arrives as the clock strikes 11:00 with a robust 10, continuing to soar to a maximum of 11 at 12:00, where caution is advised—especially for those spending extended time outdoors. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index lowering to 8 at 15:00, before dropping to 3 by 17:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels retreat to 1 from 18:00 onward, concluding a day of fluctuating sun exposure. To enjoy the outdoors safely, be mindful of those midday hours when sun protection is paramount!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |