Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Maniitsoq, Greenland, where the unique ET climate can lead to varying levels of solar radiation exposure. With UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these indices is crucial for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. When the UV Index reaches levels of 5 or 6, as seen in daily fluctuations, it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself. In this stunning Arctic town, where sunlight breaks through the long winter nights during summer months, being informed about UV risks can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its slow ascent, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, you can expect a mild UVI of 1, suitable for most outdoor activities without concern. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, and by 09:00, it reaches 3, marking the start of moderate UV exposure. The index surges to 4 at 10:00 and hits 5 by 11:00, which means it’s time to consider some sun protection. At 12:00 and 13:00, the UVI remains at 5 and 6 respectively, indicating the peak of UV radiation—best to find shade or apply sunscreen during these hours! The afternoon sees a slight drop, with values at 6 until 14:00 before descending to 5 at 15:00 and further to 4 and 3 between 16:00 and 18:00. Finally, as the day winds down, the UV Index returns to a safe 2 by 19:00, ushering in a more comfortable evening for outdoor activities. Be sun-smart and enjoy your day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels undergo significant seasonal changes, influencing sun exposure risks. From January to March, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 2 in March, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes without significant risk. As spring turns to summer, April to July reveal a notable rise, with the UV Index reaching 6 in June, indicating a high risk for sunburn and shortening the safe burn time to 25 minutes. May and July boast moderate levels, while August sees a decrease to 4. The fall months of September to November revert to lower categories, with burn times extending back to 45 minutes in the late year. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of June and July, using sunscreen and protective clothing to mitigate UV exposure, while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the seasons.
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 |
| Sisimiut UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Maniitsoq | 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 |