Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Pyeongchang, South Korea is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this region's Dwa climate zone. As the UV levels can peak at a significant 10 around midday, awareness of these changes is essential for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. High UV exposure can lead to immediate and long-term skin damage, making it vital to plan your outdoor activities accordingly. With typical levels shifting from a mild 1 in the early morning to a potent 9 by late morning, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin during Pyeongchang's sunny days.
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, the UV Index experiences significant variations, highlighting the importance of awareness for both visitors and residents. January and December start the year with a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a safer burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into March, the UV Index rises sharply to 7 (high), indicating a shorter burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure occur from April to August, where the Index reaches extreme levels of 11 and 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes during these months. September marks a slight decline but remains high at 10, before returning to moderate levels in November. Given this data, it is crucial for individuals to protect their skin—especially during the high-risk months of April to August—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Pyeongchang | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 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 |