Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kokkola, Finland, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take necessary precautions against harmful sun exposure, such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Dfc climate characterized by cool summers, Kokkola still experiences notable UV radiation, especially during midday hours. As the sun peaks with a UV Index reaching up to 5 around 1 PM, being aware of these trends allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks to skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it steadily climbs to 3, signaling a need for some sun protection. The peak occurs between noon and 2:00 PM, where the index reaches a maximum of 5. During these hours, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen and seek shade, especially as the intensity is higher. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of being sun-safe during the midday hours, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates seasonally, reflecting changes in sun strength and associated risk levels throughout the year. January through March sees low UV levels (1-2) with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May experience an increase to moderate exposure (4-5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The risk peaks in June and July, where the UV Index reaches 6, categorizing it as high risk, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This is followed by a slight decrease in August (UV Index 5) and September (UV Index 3), both retaining moderate exposure. By October to December, levels fall back to low (1-2), allowing for a safer burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution and use sun protection during high-risk months (June and July), while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the year to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokkola | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tampere UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Vantaa UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Espoo UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Helsinki UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Turku UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |