Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the serene coastal town of Sech'on, North Korea, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the climate classified as Dwb, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day, particularly peaking during the midday hours (reaching a maximum of 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM). By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Whether you're spending a day on the beach or exploring the lush surroundings, being informed about UV risks is crucial for a healthy and enjoyable experience.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts low at 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, reaching 3 by 08:00 and climbing to 4 by 09:00. The peak occurs at 11:00 and 12:00, where it hits a remarkable 8, signaling a high risk for harmful effects from unprotected sun exposure. The index remains at this elevated level until 13:00, before gradually tapering to 7 at 14:00. In the afternoon, a decline ensues, with the UV Index dropping to 5 by 15:00, and further falling to 3 at 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index continues to diminish, dwindling to 2 at 17:00 and returning to 1 by the evening hours from 18:00 to 19:00. It's a day where vigilant sun protection is essential during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, influencing the risk of sunburn for residents and visitors alike. During the winter months of January and December, the UV levels are relatively low (UV Index 2), requiring minimal sun protection, with a burn time of up to 45 minutes. However, as spring and summer approach, the UV Index escalates sharply, peaking in July and August at an extreme level of 11, where the burn time is drastically reduced to just 10 minutes. This indicates that March through September are the high-risk months for sun exposure, particularly with very high to extreme levels from April through August. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV damage. As the UV Index begins to decrease in the fall, it is still advisable to maintain sun safety practices until the levels return to low in December.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sech'on | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Hungnam UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Sunch'on UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Hamhung UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Pyongyang UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Namp'o UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |