Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in promoting long-term skin health, especially in a region where UV exposure can vary throughout the day. With a tundra climate (ET), the sun can be surprisingly strong even at lower indices, reaching a maximum of 4 during midday hours. This makes it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV levels to enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index today showcases a gradual rise from a gentle 1 at 07:00, climbing to a moderate 4 from 11:00 to 16:00. This peak represents the times when sun protection is essential, as the rays are most intense. As the day winds down, the index dips to 3 by 17:00, before settling back to 2 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day for enjoying the sun responsibly—stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |