Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Gangneung, South Korea is essential for protecting your skin and ensuring your health under the sun. Understanding the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both locals and visitors alike. Gangneung, nestled in a Dfb climate zone, enjoys picturesque seasons but also presents notable UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when the index can soar to 12. Stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery safely while safeguarding your skin’s health.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches a moderate 3, signaling the first hints of sun exposure. The intensity increases sharply, hitting 5 by 09:00 and peaking at a robust 12 during the midday hours of 12:00 and 13:00. This is a crucial time for sun protection! As the afternoon wears on, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and tapering off to 7 by 15:00. By the evening, the level returns to a more manageable 1 by 18:00, marking the end of the intense UV exposure for the day. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring during the summer months. January and February see moderate UV indices (3-4), allowing for up to 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. As spring approaches, March escalates to a high level (6) with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The UV index peaks in the summer, reaching extreme levels (11-12) from June to August, where safe exposure drops to just 10 minutes. In September, the index remains high (10), demanding caution with a short burn time of 15 minutes, while October returns to a high index (7) with 25 minutes of exposure. November and December revert back to moderate levels (4-3), allowing for 30 minutes of sun without risk. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection, especially between April and September, when the risk for UV-related skin damage is at its highest. Regularly use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to ensure safety.
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 |
| Gangneung | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Daejeon UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 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 |