Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tallinn, Estonia, as it provides vital information about sun exposure and potential risks to skin health. With varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. In Tallinn's Dfb climate, where warm summers can lead to heightened UV exposure, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is key to enjoying outdoor activities safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect yourself while basking in the beauty of this vibrant city!
As the day begins, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, making for a gentle welcome to the sun. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, and peaks just before noon with a noticeable 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually starts to decline after 1:00 PM, easing back down to 4 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 2 at 6:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, it dips back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 4 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Kohtla-Jaerve UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Narva UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Paernu UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tartu UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |