Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Grytviken, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and preventing sunburn, particularly in the unique climate zone ET characterized by its cold temperatures and glacier-dominated landscape. The UV levels here can fluctuate, even in cooler conditions, with maximum readings reaching 2 during midday hours. This makes it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV exposure risks, ensuring you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of this remote haven.
The UV Index data throughout the day reveals a gentle rise and fall in sunlight exposure. Early in the morning, from 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index remains at a soothing 0, ideal for those looking to enjoy nature without concern. By 09:00, it begins to slightly increase to a modest 1, peaking at 12:00 with a value of 2, suggesting a slightly higher need for sun protection during midday. However, as the day progresses past lunch, the index gradually drops back, returning to 1 from 13:00 to 16:00, before settling back to 0 by 17:00. Overall, this data indicates a mild day with low to moderate UV exposure, making it perfect for outdoor activities while still keeping sun safety in mind.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal UV changes reveal significant variability throughout the year, with January and October exhibiting extreme UV Index levels of 11, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. November and December follow closely behind with an even higher UV Index of 16. February also poses a high risk with a UV Index of 9, indicating very high exposure, while March and September see elevated UV levels of 6, categorized as high exposure with a burn time of 25 minutes. The warmer months from April to July generally show lower UV levels, peaking at 4 in April and declining to 1 in June and 2 in July. It is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant during high-risk months, particularly from January to March and November to December. Wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade are highly advised during these periods to minimize the risk of UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grytviken | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 16 |