Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Athens, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides vital information about sun exposure, helping residents and visitors alike guard against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Athens' Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers and moderate humidity, the risk of high UV levels—often peaking at 11 during midday—can be significant. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and minimize harm to your skin.
As the sun ascends, the UV Index begins to climb, marking a significant shift in the day's exposure. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index surges to 3 by 09:00. However, the real intensity kicks in around 10:00, where it reaches 6. The peak occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, with a blazing 10 and a scorching 11, making it essential to take precautions against sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and then cascading down to 6 by 16:00. By evening, UV exposure diminishes significantly, settling back to 2 at 18:00 and down to 1 by 19:00. Remember, during the midday hours, staying protected is key to enjoying the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises from a moderate level of 4 to a high 7, indicating the need for increased sun protection. The months of March through August are notably high-risk, as the UV Index remains in the very high to extreme category, reaching a peak of 11 in May through August, with a burn time of only 10 minutes; therefore, individuals should practice stringent sun safety, including wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen frequently. As we move into September and October, the UV Index decreases but remains a concern, especially in September with a UV of 10. By November and December, the levels drop back to moderate (4) and high (6), allowing for a temporary respite. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during the high-risk months and adopt protective measures against harmful UV exposure, particularly from March through October.
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 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |