Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sodankylä, Finland, is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially during those long summer days. In this region, where the climate can be classified as Dfc (subarctic), UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. Awareness of the UV levels is essential, as they can reach a peak of 5 around midday, posing potential risks even with moderate sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed choices to protect their skin, ensuring that fun in the sun doesn’t come at the cost of skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, indicating that sun protection may be needed for extended outdoor activities. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and continues until 3:00 PM, where it holds steady at a robust 5—perfect for a midday adventure but necessitating caution to avoid sunburn. The afternoon sees a gentle decline, with values dropping back to 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay safe and protect your skin during those heightening UV times!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reflect a notable variation in sun exposure. January to February and October to December witness low UV Index levels (1) with a burn time of 45 minutes, making sun protection less critical. However, as March approaches, the UV Index rises to 2, still within the low category, but caution should be exercised. The high-risk months are predominantly from April to September, where the UV Index peaks at 5 during June and July, categorizing as moderate; individuals should limit sun exposure to 30 minutes during these times. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate sun safety measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially in the warmer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodankylae | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 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 |