Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Moscow is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's climate typically featuring cold winters and warm summers, residents and visitors alike must be aware of UV levels to enjoy the outdoors safely. During peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 6, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to shield your skin, ensuring that your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure risk. Morning hours see a gentle start, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, before climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity maintains a robust 6, suggesting it's wise to seek shade or apply sunscreen if you're outdoors. As afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 3 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM. This trend highlights a safe window for evening activities under the diminishing sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations in the UV Index, influencing how individuals should protect their skin from harmful sun exposure. The high-risk months for UV radiation are primarily from May to August, where the UV Index peaks at 6 to 7, indicating a high level of exposure risk with a burn time of just 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months from November to February exhibit low UV levels (1 to 2), allowing for longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Nizhniy Novgorod UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Yekaterinburg UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Moscow | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Novosibirsk UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |