Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, where the climate can mask significant sun exposure risks. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly during the hotter months when UV levels peak at 7 around midday. With a Dfb climate that features long summer days, it’s easy to underestimate the sun’s intensity, making it important to stay informed about daily UV forecasts. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or exploring the city's historic landmarks, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and reaching a peak of 7 by 13:00. During the midday hours, the index remains robust at 6, indicating the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 5 at 15:00 and further to 2 by 18:00, before settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant against UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 to 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels remain low (Index 1-2), allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to 3, indicating a moderate exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes, which continues into April and May. By June and July, UV levels escalate to 7, categorized as high, and the burn time decreases to just 25 minutes, marking this as a high-risk period for sun exposure. The UV Index begins to decline in August (Index 5) and remains moderate until September (Index 4), before returning to low levels in October, November, and December (Index 1-2, with burn times of 45 minutes). Consequently, residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the summer months, particularly from June to July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg | 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 UVI | 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 |