Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Clifden, Ireland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With Clifden’s temperate maritime climate (Cfb), residents and visitors can encounter varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a notably intense UV Index of 7 during midday hours. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the stunning outdoor scenery while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at 07:00 with a low score of 1. By 09:00, it approaches moderate levels, reaching 2. The real magic happens between 10:00 and 13:00, where the index climbs sharply, hitting 6 at 12:00 and peaking at 7 during 13:00. From here, we see a gradual decline: a drop to 6 at 15:00, settling into the 5 range by the late afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV levels decrease further, falling back to 2 by 18:00, and finally resting at 1 as daylight fades into evening. Stay protected! Remember, the sun's rays are most potent during the midday 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, necessitating varying levels of sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for extended exposure times without burning, approximately 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index rises, reaching moderate levels (4-5) in March and April, where 30-minute burn times apply. The summer months of May through July present the highest risk, with UV Index values peaking at 8 and very high exposure categories, meaning that unprotected skin can burn in just 15 minutes. August sees a slight decrease, but still maintains a high UV Index of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes. In contrast, September to October return to moderate levels, allowing for 30-minute safe exposure, while November and December drop back down to low levels (1-2) with burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of May through July, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and safeguard skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clifden | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Gaillimh UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Tallaght UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Dublin UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Luimneach UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Cork UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |