Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Kotka, Finland, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With varying UV levels throughout the day—from a morning low of 1 to a midday peak of 6—awareness can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. The city's Dfb climate offers distinct seasonal variations, but during sunny days, especially in summer months, even lower UV readings can pose risks if you're outdoors for extended periods. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority to enjoy the beautiful Finnish outdoors without compromising your skin health!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs steadily: reaching 2 at 8:00 AM, it hits 3 by 9:00 AM. The golden hour of 10:00 AM is marked with a 4, and by 11:00 AM, it surges to 5, indicating moderate exposure. The midday sun showcases its strength, with a maximum of 6 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – a clear signal for sun protection! As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 3 at 5:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM, as the sun sets. Remember, during those peak hours, staying protected is essential!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with peak intensity occurring during the summer months. January through February feature low UV Index levels (1), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March to May sees a gradual increase, reaching a moderate level (3-5) where exposure should be limited to 30 minutes to prevent skin damage. The high-risk months of June and July present the highest UV indices (7), necessitating heightened precautions and limiting direct sun exposure to 25 minutes. In late summer and fall, August to September sees a moderate decrease, while October through December return to low levels, similar to the start of the year, with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the high UV months to ensure skin safety and health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampere UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Kotka | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |