Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin in Rovaniemi, Finland, where the unique climate can lead to varying sun exposure risks. Given the region's Dfc climate, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the potential for sunburn, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when UV levels can reach a maximum of 6. Awareness of UV levels helps in adopting effective sun safety measures, safeguarding skin health while enjoying the stunning Arctic landscape. With the sun's intensity fluctuating throughout the day, being informed about the UV Index can make a significant difference in preventing harmful effects of UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gentle increase in sun intensity. However, the real peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the index reaches a robust 5 and then soars to 6 at 1:00 PM—the sun's fierce rays are at their most potent. Afterward, the index begins to decline gradually, dropping back to 5 by 2:00 PM, then diminishing steadily to 2 by 7:00 PM as the day winds down. This cycle paints a clear picture: the midday hours demand extra care to protect your skin, while early mornings and late afternoons offer a more manageable sun exposure. Remember to stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with the most concerning months being June and July, where the index reaches a high of 6, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. April through August generally fall within the moderate to high exposure categories, suggesting a need for precaution, especially in April and May (UV Index 3 and 4, burn time 30 minutes). In contrast, the winter months of January, February, October, November, and December show a low UV Index (1) with a burn time of 45 minutes, posing minimal risk. Visitors and residents should be mindful of the high-risk months, applying sunscreen and seeking shade during peak hours, especially from April to August, to protect their skin from potential damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rovaniemi | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 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 |