Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cork, Ireland, where the coastal climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. With daytime UV levels reaching as high as 7 during peak hours, being aware of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Cork's typical Cfb climate means that sunshine can be deceptive, emphasizing the importance of monitoring UV levels to stay safe while enjoying outdoor activities. Equip yourself with this vital information to ensure your skin remains healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful rays!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a fascinating progression of solar intensity. Early morning hours, from 7:00 to 9:00, see low levels, peaking at a modest 1. As the sun rises higher, 10:00 marks a noticeable uptick to 4, culminating at noon with a peak UV Index of 7. This robust level persists from 12:00 to 14:00, urging caution as midday sun exposure becomes critical. By the time evening descends, the index gradually declines, returning to a gentle 1 by 19:00. Overall, the data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during peak solar hours, especially from late morning to early afternoon.
| 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 | 4 | 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 |
| Cork | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |