Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Vastse-Kuuste, Estonia, where the climate offers a mix of chilly winters and pleasant summers. With maximum UV levels reaching 7 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As the sun ascends to its peak, the risk of harmful effects increases, making it vital to monitor these levels, especially during the warmer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Estonian outdoors while keeping your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the index remains low (1-2), allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes without substantial risk. As spring arrives in March and April, the index rises to a moderate level (3-4), decreasing the burn time to 30 minutes. The summer months of June and July are particularly high-risk, with UV levels reaching 7; it’s crucial for visitors and residents to limit sun exposure to just 25 minutes during this time. August sees a slight decrease to 6, but caution remains essential. As fall approaches, the index drops back to moderate (4 in September) and again to low levels (2-1) from October to December, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves during high-risk months (June to August) with proper clothing, sunscreen, and shade, while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn UVI | 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 |
| Vastse-Kuuste | 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 |