Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zwolen, Poland, where the climate can expose individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for protecting long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With a climate categorized as Cfb, Zwolen experiences moderate UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours between 11 AM and 1 PM, when values can reach as high as 7. Staying informed about the UV Index allows you to enjoy the sun responsibly while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.
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 exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 8, indicating a very high exposure category, particularly in June and July, which results in a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. In contrast, the low-risk months from November to February feature a UV Index of 1-2, where an exposure time of 45 minutes is generally safe. As spring approaches, starting in March, the UV levels begin to increase, warranting extra care as the burn time decreases significantly by May. To ensure safety, it is advisable to monitor seasonal UV changes and adjust sun safety practices accordingly.
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 |
| Zwolen | 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 |