Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Nuuk, Greenland, where the unique climate presents specific sunlight exposure challenges. As the sun's rays can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, being informed about daily UV levels empowers you to take necessary precautions. With Nuuk's high latitude and an ET climate, UV exposure can unexpectedly rise to a maximum of 5 during midday hours, necessitating awareness to protect oneself against potential skin damage. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Arctic sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 by 07:00, before gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches 3, hinting at a day where protection from the sun becomes increasingly important. Midday marks the highest point of the day, with the index soaring to 5 from 12:00 to 14:00—a reminder to seek shade and wear sunscreen. The afternoon brings a slight dip, descending back to 4 at 16:00 and 3 by 17:00. As evening sets in, the index diminishes, concluding the day with a gentle 1 at 19:00. Stay savvy about sun safety as you navigate these varying UV levels!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. March and April see a rise to moderate levels (3 and 5, respectively) with shorter burn times of 30 minutes, signaling increased caution for sun exposure. May and June represent high-risk months with indices of 6 and 7, where it's crucial to limit exposure to 25 minutes. In July and August, the UV Index drops slightly to moderate levels (5), but still requires protective measures. September falls back to moderate (3), followed by a return to low levels in October, November, and December (2 and 1) with more extended burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from May to June, ensuring they use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to minimize risks during peak UV exposure months.
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 |
| Nuuk | 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 |