Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gangneung, South Korea is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness can help you prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index reaches 10 around noon. Gangneung's Dfb climate brings warm summers that increase UV exposure risks, making it crucial to stay informed. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin health in check!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching a more noticeable 3 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it peaks at 10—a crucial time for sun protection. After that, it begins to gently decline, with 9 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 2:00 PM, and dropping further to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the index sees a steady fall, ending at a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, making the later hours much safer for outdoor activities. Pay attention to the height of UV levels around midday for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 |