Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tartu, Estonia, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health. With the potential for harmful UV radiation during the sunnier months, being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Tartu's Dfb climate means that summers can bring higher UV exposure, particularly during midday when the index peaks at 7. By knowing the UV index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while taking the necessary precautions to guard against harmful effects of sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin!
The UV Index for the day reveals a progressively intense sun! Early risers will notice a mild Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 10:00 AM. The peak occurs between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a height of 7, signaling the need for sun protection. By the time we reach the late afternoon, the index begins to fade, dropping to a 5 at 4:00 PM and continuing to decline, finally returning to a gentle level of 1 by 7:00 PM. As the day progresses, it's essential to stay mindful of the UV intensity—plan your outdoor activities accordingly!
| 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 | 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 |
| Tartu | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |