Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tromsø, Norway, where the unique Dfc climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. Despite its northern latitude, Tromsø experiences significant UV risks during sunny months, especially around midday when levels peak at 5. By staying informed, you can enjoy the stunning Arctic landscapes while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual climb, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00 AM. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate level of 3, encouraging you to be mindful of sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM, hitting a high of 5—a reminder that this is prime time for UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently descends, dropping to 3 by 04:00 PM, and further to a low of 1 by 07:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours, and enjoy the sunny day safely!
| 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 | 4 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tromso | 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 |