Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bialystok, Poland, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Dfb climate, Bialystok experiences seasonal variations in sunlight and UV exposure, making it essential to know when to take extra precautions. On sunny days, UV levels can peak at 7 around midday—nearly reaching the level where skin damage can occur within minutes. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself against harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a noteworthy progression, peaking sharply during the midday hours. Starting at a modest 2 by 7:00 AM, the index steadily rises, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity surges to a strong 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Thankfully, the levels taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM and settling back to 2 by 5:00 PM. Even as daylight wanes, the UV Index remains low, with values of 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM—ideal for evening outdoor activities. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons transition, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. January and February present low risk with a UV Index of 1 and 2, allowing for extended exposure without significant concern. However, from March to August, the risk escalates, with high to very high levels in May (UV Index 6) and June (UV Index 8), making these the highest-risk months for UV exposure. Visitors and residents alike should take precautions during this period, especially in June, where the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. Meanwhile, September and October see a decline back to the moderate category, while November and December return to low risk, presenting safer conditions for prolonged outdoor activities. It's essential to stay informed and practice sun safety, particularly from March through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bialystok | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |
| Krakow UVI | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |