Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kirkenes, Norway, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take the necessary precautions against sunburn, which can lead to long-term skin damage. Given Kirkenes' unique Dfc climate, characterized by its cool summers and varying daylight hours, it's crucial to be aware of the UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can reach up to 5. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Kirkenes while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 08:00. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00 with a maximum UV Index of 5, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this midday surge, the UV levels start to taper off, dropping back to 4 at 14:00 and then settling at 3 by 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV Index declines further, reaching 2 at 17:00 and finally tapering to a safe 1 by 18:00, where it remains through 19:00. Keep in mind, sun protection is essential during those peak hours for optimal safety!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months being April through August. During this period, the UV Index rises from a moderate level of 3 in April to a peak of 5 in June and July, where the recommended burn time decreases to just 30 minutes. In contrast, the winter months—January, February, and December—feature a low UV Index, where exposure is less critical with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months: apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkenes | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 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 |