Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Molde, Norway, where the stunning coastal scenery can sometimes mask underlying sun exposure risks. With UV levels ranging significantly throughout the day, awareness helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. During peak hours, especially between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the UV Index can reach levels of 6, posing a higher risk even in this picturesque coastal town. Given Molde's Dfc climate—characterized by cool summers and considerable cloud cover—it's essential to remain vigilant about UV exposure, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without compromising your skin's well-being.
The UV Index steadily rises throughout the morning, peaking at 6 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates to 4 by 10:00 AM, prompting advisable sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity remains at its peak until 3:00 PM before tapering down to 4 at 5:00 PM and gradually descending to 2 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to prioritize sun protection during those midday hours to enjoy the day safely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal variations in UV Index indicate a notable increase from the low levels in January and February (UV Index 1) to more hazardous levels in June and July (UV Index 6), where the burn time decreases to just 25 minutes. The UV Index reaches moderate levels in March through May (UV Index 3-5) and dips back to low levels from October to December. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly June and July, when direct sunlight can cause skin damage within 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trondheim UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Molde | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Bergen UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Oslo UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Drammen UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Stavanger UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |