Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Oulu, Finland, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. With UV levels varying throughout the day, being informed helps residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities while taking necessary precautions. Oulu's Dfc climate offers unique exposure risks, with peak UV Index levels reaching 5 during midday hours. Staying aware of these fluctuations allows you to protect your skin effectively against harmful rays, ensuring safe enjoyment of the region's beautiful landscapes.
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 |
During the year, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating fluctuating levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, with a burn time of 45 minutes, making it relatively safe for outdoor activities. As spring approaches, the index rises to 2 in March and reaches 3 in April, transitioning into the moderate category with a burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months occur in June and July, when the UV Index peaks at 6, necessitating cautious sun exposure, since the burn time is reduced to just 25 minutes. In August, the UV Index decreases slightly to 4, followed by a gradual decline to 3 in September and 2 in October. By November and December, the UV Index drops back to 1, again allowing for 45 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take greater precautions during the summer months and to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oulu | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 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 |