Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gdynia, Poland, as it serves as a vital indicator of solar radiation levels and helps us stay safe under the sun. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn, but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Gdynia's temperate oceanic climate often exposing us to varying UV risks, particularly during the summer months when indices can reach up to 7, it's essential to monitor these levels for safe outdoor activities. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it increases to 2, signaling a gentle reminder to start taking sun protection seriously. The intensity picks up dramatically at 9:00 AM, reaching 4. The peak UV exposure occurs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where the index hits 6 and then soars to 7 – a crucial time to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, UV levels gradually decline, dipping to 6 at 3:00 PM and falling further to 2 by 6:00 PM. Finally, the day winds down with a resting 1 at 7:00 PM, making it clear that awareness of UV exposure is vital throughout the day.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable fluctuations, marking a clear seasonal trend. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), with a generous burn time of 45 minutes, allowing for safe outdoor activities. However, as spring approaches in March and April, the UV Index rises to moderate levels (4-5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The risk intensifies during the summer months of May through August, where UV Index values peak at 6-7 and burn time shrinks to 25 minutes, indicating high-risk conditions for prolonged sun exposure. The transition back to lower levels occurs in September and October, where the UV Index falls to moderate (3-5) with burn times returning to 30 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index dips back to low levels (1), providing a safe burn time of 45 minutes once again. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May through August, by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gdynia | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 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 |