Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Wieliczka, Poland, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With the region's Dfb climate, locals enjoy a mix of warm summers and chilly winters, but during the sunny months, UV levels can quickly rise, peaking at 8 around noon. This makes it especially important for everyone to be aware of their UV exposure to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves during those critical hours of sunlight, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index data for the day showcases a clear peak in sun exposure during the midday hours. Starting at 07:00 with a mild reading of 1, the intensity rises steadily as the sun climbs higher. By 10:00, it reaches 6, and the recommendation for sun protection soon becomes clear. The highest levels are recorded from 12:00 to 13:00, peaking at an 8, indicating a strong need for sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dipping to 4 by 16:00 and falling further to 1 by 19:00—a reassuring end to the day for those seeking to avoid sunburn. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, influencing both sun exposure and risk levels for skin damage. During the winter months, from December to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes, making this a relatively safer period for sun exposure. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March, the UV levels rise to a moderate index of 4, indicating the need for increased caution with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months occur from late spring to mid-summer, with May reaching an index of 7 and June and July peaking at 8, categorized as very high, significantly shortening safe exposure to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the risk reduces but remains considerable in August (UV Index 7) and September (UV Index 6), before tapering off in the fall months of October through December. Visitors and residents are advised to protect their skin during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, particularly in the peak months from April to August.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Poznan UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Lodz UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Wroclaw UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Wieliczka | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Krakow UVI | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |