Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Plavinas, Latvia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun rises higher in the sky, understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful rays that can lead to skin damage. With a Dfb climate characterized by relatively cool summers and varying sun exposure, Plavinas experiences notable UV intensity, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV Index can soar to 7. Being informed about these risks enables everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing potential harm from UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, there are significant variations in the UV Index that indicate changing risks associated with sun exposure. January and February exhibit low levels, with a UV Index of 1 and 2, allowing for a safer burn time of 45 minutes. As we move into March and April, the UV Index rises to 3 and 5 respectively, transitioning to a moderate risk where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The peak risk months occur from May to August, where the UV Index reaches high levels of 6 and 7, corresponding to a burn time of just 25 minutes. September and October see a return to moderate levels, with the UV Index falling to 4 and 3, extending burn times back to 30 minutes. November and December once again present low UV conditions, with burn times increasing to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise increased caution and utilize sun protection during the high-risk months of May through August, ensuring adequate sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riga UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Jurmala UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Jelgava UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Plavinas | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Liepaja UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Daugavpils UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |