Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sottunga, Åland Islands, where the unique climate can lead to varying UV exposure throughout the day. Understanding these UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Typically characterized by a Dfb climate, Sottunga experiences significant UV fluctuations, peaking at a level of 5 around midday, which signifies moderate to high risk for skin damage. Staying informed about the UV Index allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful sun effects.
The UV Index today showcases a gradual climb in intensity as the day unfolds, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it barely nudges to 2, but at 10:00 it ramps up to 3, signaling a noteworthy increase in sun exposure. This trend escalates through midday, peaking at 5 from 12:00 to 14:00, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually descends, falling back to 4 by 16:00 and tapering to 3 at 17:00. In the early evening, it continues to decline, returning to a safer 2 by 18:00 and dropping to 1 after 19:00. Be mindful of the sun’s potent rays during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with peak intensity occurring during the summer months. January through February feature low UV Index levels (1), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March to May sees a gradual increase, reaching a moderate level (3-5) where exposure should be limited to 30 minutes to prevent skin damage. The high-risk months of June and July present the highest UV indices (7), necessitating heightened precautions and limiting direct sun exposure to 25 minutes. In late summer and fall, August to September sees a moderate decrease, while October through December return to low levels, similar to the start of the year, with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the high UV months to ensure skin safety and health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sottunga | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Saltvik UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Finstroem UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Jomala UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Lemland UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Mariehamn UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |