Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Song-dong, North Korea, where the sun can be relentless, especially during the peak summer months. With UV levels soaring to a maximum of 10 around noon, awareness of these levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Knowing when the UV exposure is highest allows the community to take proactive measures against potential harm. Given Song-dong's Dwb climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, residents must be vigilant during sunny days to avoid risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Stay informed, stay protected!
The UV Index throughout the day displays a distinct pattern of increasing and decreasing intensity. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching a moderate level of 3 by 08:00. However, the sun really begins to shine at 09:00, skyrocketing to a notable 5. By 10:00, it hits 7, and between 11:00 and 12:00, we experience the peak UV Index of 10, where sun safety becomes essential! After the zenith at 13:00, the numbers begin their descent, dropping to 8 by 14:00 and then tapering off further to 6 at 15:00. As the afternoon fades, the UV Index dwindles to a soft 4 at 16:00, before settling to a gentle 2 at 17:00 and finally a low 1 for the evening hours, signifying the day's retreat into twilight. Remember to prioritize sun protection during the peak hours when the sun's rays are most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Song-dong | 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 |