Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alta, Norway, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. With the unique climate of the Dfc zone, residents and visitors experience varying UV levels throughout the day, particularly peaking between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when indices reach up to 5. Awareness of these levels helps ensure that you are adequately protected from harmful rays, allowing you to enjoy Alta's beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin health. As you navigate your day, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the northern sun.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a notable variation in sun exposure. Starting off at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak strength at 11:00 AM, hitting a strong 5, with this level maintained until 2:00 PM. The intensity then begins to taper off, dropping back to 4 by 3:00 PM, and further declining as evening approaches, settling at 2 by 5:00 PM and eventually to a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay safe in the sun and remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, impacting the risk of sunburn and the need for sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for a safe outdoor experience with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 3 in April and peaking at 5 from May to July, indicating higher risk months for sun exposure. In August, the UV Index slightly decreases to 4, leading into a return to lower indices of 2 in September and 1 in October and November, while December sees an index of 0, marking minimal risk. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May to July, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Trondheim UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 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 |