Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Sottunga, Åland Islands, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Sottunga's Dfb climate — characterized by mild summers and cool winters — the UV exposure can be surprisingly intense, particularly during midday hours when values peak at 7. Be mindful of your sun exposure to enjoy the beauty of the islands safely!
The UV Index peaked dramatically throughout the day, starting with a mild 1 at 07:00 and reaching its zenith of 7 between 13:00 and 14:00. As the sun climbed higher, the intensity of UV radiation increasingly called for protective measures. By 11:00, the index had already hit 5, nudging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. The afternoon brought a slight decrease, with values tapering to 6 at 15:00 and then gradually down to 2 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of being vigilant during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most potent. Ensure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |