Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Otwock, Poland, as it plays a vital role in safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index provides valuable information on sun exposure risks, helping you take necessary precautions during those peak hours. With Otwock's Cfb climate, the summer sun can bring higher UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when readings peak at 7—indicating a substantial risk for harm. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the warm weather while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index presents a dynamic picture throughout the day, peaking at 12:00 PM with a notable 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the sun rises, the index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 5 by 10:00 AM. The intensity persists, reaching 6 at 11:00 AM before hitting its zenith during the midday hours. Following this peak, the index starts to decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM, and tapering off to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a sweeping reminder to take precautions during midday hours, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, necessitating varying levels of sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for extended exposure times without burning, approximately 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index rises, reaching moderate levels (4-5) in March and April, where 30-minute burn times apply. The summer months of May through July present the highest risk, with UV Index values peaking at 8 and very high exposure categories, meaning that unprotected skin can burn in just 15 minutes. August sees a slight decrease, but still maintains a high UV Index of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes. In contrast, September to October return to moderate levels, allowing for 30-minute safe exposure, while November and December drop back down to low levels (1-2) with burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of May through July, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and safeguard skin health.
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 |
| Otwock | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |
| Krakow UVI | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |