Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Athens, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin damage, and promote long-term skin health. Athens experiences a Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers, which poses significant UV exposure risks, especially during midday when the index can soar as high as 11. By staying aware of the UV Index, residents can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sunny days while protecting their skin from harmful rays.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins its climb with a modest level of 1. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, signaling the start of a gradual increase in solar intensity. As the sun rises higher, the index swiftly escalates to 4 by 09:00 and reaches a brisk 7 at 10:00. The peak occurs at 12:00, hitting a notable 10, and it continues to soar, reaching its maximum of 11 by 13:00. After this midday peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. As the afternoon progresses, it further retreats to 5 at 16:00 and falls to 3 by 17:00, finally settling back to 1 at 18:00 and 19:00. This prompts a reminder to take essential sun protection during the day, especially when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. Notably, from May to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, indicating a high risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months, especially January and December, see moderate UV levels of 4, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. The months of February and March also present heightened risks with UV indices of 6 and 8, respectively, highlighting the necessity for caution as spring approaches. Residents and visitors are advised to protect their skin during April to September when the UV values are particularly elevated. Measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Athens | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |