Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions when venturing outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours. With its ET climate, Qeqertarsuaq experiences unique exposure risks, particularly as UV levels can reach up to 5 during the sunniest parts of the day. Being informed about the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the beautiful Arctic scenery while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, indicating that the day is warming up. The 9:00 AM hour sees a steady 2, but by the time the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the UV Index jumps to 3, hinting at increasing sun intensity. The peak of the day arrives with a UV Index of 5 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, marking a significant moment where sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon slips away, the UV Index gracefully descends, settling back to 3 at 5:00 PM, before tapering off to 2 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine while protecting your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 experiences significant seasonal changes throughout the year, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for up to 45 minutes of safe sun exposure without significant risk of burning. As the weather warms, April through September sees a rise in the UV Index, peaking at 5 in May and June, which corresponds to a moderate risk category with a reduced safe burn time of just 30 minutes. The month of July and August maintain a moderate risk at a UV Index of 4, before tapering back in September to 3, a shift that signals a decrease in sun intensity as fall approaches. The months with the highest risk for UV exposure are May through August, when visitors and residents should take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As temperatures cool down into October and November, the UV Index drops significantly back to low levels (1) with burn times again extending to 45 minutes, while December sees almost negligible UV levels (0). Awareness of these seasonal changes can help individuals protect their skin and enjoy outdoor activities safely throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilulissat UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aasiaat UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Qeqertarsuaq | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Sisimiut UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Nuuk UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Qaqortoq UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |