The seasonal pattern
UV normally climbs quickly through spring, reaches its strongest levels around early and mid-summer, then declines through autumn. Winter values are lower, but a clear midday can still require protection.
Elevation matters. Troodos can have stronger UV than a coastal city even when the mountain air feels cooler. Reflection, time outdoors and individual sensitivity also change personal risk.
Use the index, not the heat
The World Health Organization recommends sun protection when the UV index reaches 3. A cool breeze does not reduce ultraviolet radiation, and light cloud may not block enough UV to make protection unnecessary.
At 11 or above the index is classed as Extreme. Our activity guidance treats those hours as unsuitable for a beach comfort window, but it never calculates a “safe tanning time”.
A combined protection plan
Seek shade around the strongest part of the day, wear covering clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, protect your eyes with suitable sunglasses, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin. Sunscreen complements these measures; it does not replace them.
Check the hourly UV window on the Today forecast because the start and end shift across the year. Reapply sunscreen according to its instructions and after swimming, sweating or towelling.