Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Vaasa, Finland, where varying levels of sunlight can significantly impact skin health. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during peak hours when the index rises to 5, such as between 1 PM and 2 PM. With Vaasa's Dfc climate zone, which features cool summers and a unique sun exposure profile, it's crucial to stay informed about UV risks to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Embrace the summer sun while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual rise in solar intensity, with the morning hours starting off at a mild 1, ideal for a leisurely stroll without much concern for sun exposure. As the clock ticks towards 10:00 AM, the index climbs to a moderate 3, making it a great time for outdoor activities while still manageable. By 11:00 AM, it peaks at 4, signaling that it's time to apply sunscreen if you’re spending extended time outdoors. The afternoon sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with a UV Index of 5, where protective measures are strongly advised. As the day progresses into the late afternoon and evening, the intensity gracefully declines, returning to a safe level of 2 by 6:00 PM. Overall, this UV Index pattern encourages sun safety during peak hours while allowing for enjoyment of the great outdoors earlier or later in the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values typically occurring in the summer months. January, February, October, November, and December present a low exposure risk (UV Index 1-2), allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities with burn times of up to 45 minutes. In contrast, March through May sees an uptick to a moderate exposure risk (UV Index 3-5), where burn times decrease to 30 minutes. The high-risk months of June and July have a UV Index of 6, necessitating more caution with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As the summer transitions into August and September, the UV Index reverts to moderate levels. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant during high UV periods by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risks associated with sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaasa | 1 | 1 | 3 | 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 |