Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Castlemartyr, Ireland, where the temperate climate can lead to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index readings reaching 7 during midday, the risk of overexposure increases, making it important to protect your skin while enjoying the beauty of this scenic village. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to ensure safe outdoor activities, especially on sunny days!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a gentle time to venture outdoors. By 09:00, it ramps up to 3, signaling the beginning of the day’s peak sun exposure. 10:00 sees a rise to 4, and things heat up significantly by 11:00 with a UV Index of 5. The highest point peaks at 12:00, 13:00, and 14:00 with a striking 7, urging everyone to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines to 6 by 15:00, and continues to drop to 3 by 17:00. Finally, it winds down for the evening, returning to 2 at 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00, indicating that the sun is setting and the day’s harshest rays are behind us. Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are from May to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 7-8, classifying them as high to very high exposure. Specifically, June and July present the greatest risk, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) show a low exposure category with UV Index values of 1-2, allowing for longer safe sun exposure (up to 45 minutes). To ensure safety, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures during the high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Castlemartyr | 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 |