Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pyeongchang, South Korea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With its Dwa climate characterized by both cold winters and warm summers, Pyeongchang offers stunning outdoor activities that expose residents and visitors to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the year. Understanding the UV levels—particularly the significant spikes during midday hours—can help you safeguard against potential skin damage and enjoy the sun safely. For instance, the UV Index reaches a peak of 12 between 12 PM and 1 PM, indicating very high exposure risks that should not be taken lightly. Stay informed and stay protected!
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, 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 |