Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hwawon, South Korea, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwa climate, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when they can reach a staggering 11 around noon. Understanding these fluctuations is essential not only for protecting your skin but also for reducing the risk of long-term damage. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy Hwawon’s beautiful outdoor spaces while keeping your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins to rise slowly, peaking at 1 by 07:00 before climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun approaches its zenith. 10:00 marks a significant jump to 8, followed closely by an impressive peak of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 9 by 14:00, then gradually declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering back to a safer 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to 2 at 17:00 and finally settle at 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while midday sun offers the most intense rays, protective measures are vital throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV Index reveal a significant fluctuation throughout the year, with high-risk months occurring from April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. April and May showcase a peak UV Index of 10, while June and July escalate to an extreme 12, necessitating heightened caution. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during these peak months when burn times drastically reduce to 10-15 minutes. As the season transitions into September and October, the UV levels remain high but start to lower, giving some reprieve, with burn times extending back to 25-30 minutes in the cooler months of November and December. Staying informed and vigilant during the warmer months can help prevent overexposure and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Seoul UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Daejeon UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Hwawon | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Daegu UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Busan UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |