Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Harstad, Norway, as it plays a crucial role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburns. With the unique Dfc climate of Harstad, which features cool summers and extended daylight hours, awareness of UV levels becomes particularly important during peak sun exposure times. As UV Index values can reach up to 5 around noon, taking precautions—like wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—can help safeguard your skin against harmful effects. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your health!
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2, offering a comfortable level for morning activities. As the sun rises higher, it nudges past 3 by 09:00 AM, signaling a gradual increase in intensity. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM, where the index hits 5—a clear indication that midday sun protection is essential. For the next few hours, it maintains this level, suggesting that outdoor enthusiasts should apply sunscreen liberally. As the afternoon rolls on with a slight dip, the index decreases to 4 by 15:00 PM, before gently descending to 3 by 17:00 PM. By evening, the UV Index settles back down to a mild 2 at 18:00 PM and eventually fades to 1 by 19:00 PM, marking a safe phase to enjoy twilight strolls without the need for sunblock.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that UV exposure is generally low during the winter months (January through March), with an index of 1 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching moderate levels (3 to 5) from April through August, with the highest risk months in June and July, where the index peaks at 5 and the burn time shortens to 30 minutes. September sees a slight decline, but the index remains moderate. By late fall and winter (October through December), UV levels drop back to low, allowing for safer sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be especially cautious during the summer months when UV exposure is most intense; sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting time in direct sunlight are highly recommended to mitigate the risks of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harstad | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 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 |