Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sotkamo, Finland, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially when UV intensity can rise significantly during midday hours, peaking at 5 between 12 PM and 2 PM. Given Sotkamo's Dfc climate, characterized by cool temperatures and long daylight hours in summer, it's crucial to recognize that even on overcast days, UV rays can still pose risks. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
Experience the dynamic shifts in UV Index throughout the day, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity gradually increases, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00 and peaking at a robust 5 between 12:00 and 14:00. The midday sun demands attention, with the UV Index at its maximum—perfect for sun safety precautions! As the day progresses, it tapers off, descending to 4 by 15:00, and returning to a gentle 1 by 19:00. Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months being June and July, when the UV Index reaches 6, indicating high exposure, and a burn time of only 25 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May transition to moderate levels, with UV Index values of 3 and 5, respectively, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. During the winter and early spring months of January through March, the UV Index remains quite low, primarily falling between 1 and 2, allowing for a safe 45-minute burn time. To ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors, visitors and residents are advised to monitor the UV Index closely and take necessary precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sotkamo | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 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 |