Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Alavus, Finland, as it provides essential information on sun exposure and its potential risks. With an inland climate characterized by cold winters and moderate summers, Alavus may not always come to mind as a place for high UV exposure; however, the data shows that during peak hours, especially around noon, UV levels can reach moderate to high, necessitating awareness for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring enjoyable, safe time outdoors in this picturesque region.
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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes without significant risk. March marks the beginning of a rise, with a moderate exposure category of 3 (burn time: 30 min), continuing through to May when it reaches 5. The high-risk months are June and July, where the UV Index peaks at 6, necessitating caution with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. By August, the index drops back to 5, with September and October further decreasing to 3 and 2 respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during the summer months of June and July, ensuring adequate skin protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, while still enjoying the outdoors responsibly in the moderate months of March, April, May, August, and September.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alavus | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 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 |