Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's unique climate characterized by long summer days and strong sunlight. As the UV levels can reach a maximum of 5 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful radiation. With its polar tundra climate (ET) and typically low annual UV exposure, the risk may seem minimal; however, even moderate exposure can lead to skin damage over time. Stay informed and enjoy the beauty of Qeqertarsuaq safely!
The UV Index today exhibits a clear and dynamic pattern, peaking during the midday hours. Starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates to 5 from noon until 3:00 PM, indicating a high level of UV radiation. This intense peak, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, urges outdoor enthusiasts to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. As the sun begins its descent, the index recedes to 4 at 4:00 PM, before tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM, reflecting the day's diminishing sunlight. Stay vigilant and enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for 45 minutes of safe sun exposure without protective measures. However, as spring arrives, April and May see an uptick to a moderate level (5), with burn times decreasing to 30 minutes. The high-risk months of June and July present the highest UV Index (6), where skin can burn in just 25 minutes. After this peak, August and September maintain moderate levels, while October through December return to low risk (1-2) with longer burn times of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours to reduce the risk of 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 |
| Sisimiut UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Qeqertarsuaq | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 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 |