Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rapla, Estonia, as it provides essential information about the sun’s intensity and potential risks to skin health. With varying UV levels throughout the day, being aware of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In Rapla's Dfb climate zone, where typical summer days can lead to heightened UV exposure, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital for enjoying sunny days safely. Make informed choices to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors with confidence!
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 |
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 |
| Rapla | 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 |