Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Qasigiannguit, Greenland, a place where the Arctic climate presents unique sun exposure risks. With typical UV levels peaking at 4 during midday hours, awareness is essential to prevent sunburn and protect skin health, especially in a region where the reflective snow can intensify UV radiation. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes while ensuring your skin remains safe from potential damage. Remember, even moderate UV exposure can accumulate, so take precautions when the sun is at its highest!
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 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations. From January to March, the index remains low, with a UV Index of 1, allowing for an extended burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May bring a moderate increase in UV levels, with indices of 3 and 4, respectively, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The summer months of June through August maintain similar moderate levels (UV Index 4), emphasizing the need for sun protection during outside activities. In September, UV levels begin to drop to 3, and by October through December, the index returns to low levels, where the burn time extends back to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to stay vigilant about sun exposure, particularly from April to September, utilizing sunscreen and protective clothing during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV-related skin damage.
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 |
| Qasigiannguit | 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 |