Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Upernavik, Greenland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health. With the arctic climate classified as ET, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, as even moderate UV exposure can pose risks, especially during the summer months when UV Index values peak at 4. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery without the worry of sun damage!
Today’s UV Index offers a gradual rise in sun exposure throughout the morning, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the day progresses, UV levels climb steadily, reaching peak values of 4 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. During these midday hours, it's essential to take precautions like wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. After 3 PM, the index starts to dip, settling back to 2 by 7:00 PM. Enjoy the sun safely today!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows distinct seasonal changes that impact sun exposure risk for visitors and residents. From January to March, the UV Index remains low (0-2), allowing for safer prolonged exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as we move into April to August, the UV Index increases to moderate levels (3-4), particularly in the peak summer months of May to July, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. This indicates a higher risk for sunburn, making these high-risk months important for understanding sun safety. To protect your skin, it’s advisable to apply sunscreen regularly and limit sun exposure during peak hours, particularly from April to August. As autumn approaches, the UV Index drops again, returning to low levels in September and remaining low through December, thus lessening the risk for sunburn during the colder months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upernavik | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 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 |