Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the breathtaking town of Tasiilaq, Greenland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin during the bright Arctic days. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly in a climate characterized by its unique ET (Tundra) conditions. With UV exposure peaking around midday, reaching a maximum of 5 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, locals and visitors alike should stay informed to enjoy the stunning landscapes safely while minimizing their risk of harmful UV radiation.
As the day dawns, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 07:00, making it a good time for a morning stroll. By 09:00, it rises to 3, indicating a little more sun exposure. The sun’s intensity peaks between 11:00 and 14:00, reaching 5, a clear signal to grab those sunglasses and apply sunscreen! After this high, it gently declines to 4 at 15:00 and gradually tapers off to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s essential to stay cautious during midday when UV levels are at their highest, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index fluctuates seasonally, reflecting changes in sun strength and associated risk levels throughout the year. January through March sees low UV levels (1-2) with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May experience an increase to moderate exposure (4-5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The risk peaks in June and July, where the UV Index reaches 6, categorizing it as high risk, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This is followed by a slight decrease in August (UV Index 5) and September (UV Index 3), both retaining moderate exposure. By October to December, levels fall back to low (1-2), allowing for a safer burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution and use sun protection during high-risk months (June and July), while maintaining awareness of changing UV levels throughout the year to minimize 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 |
| Tasiilaq | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 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 |