Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gwangju, South Korea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak sunlight hours. With a Dwa climate, Gwangju experiences significant UV exposure, reaching a maximum UV Index of 10 around noon. This underscores the need for vigilance and sun safety practices as you navigate the vibrant streets and beautiful parks of the city. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!
The UV Index peaks during the midday sun, reaching a maximum of 10 at noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index rises steadily from a mild 1 at 07:00 to an intensity of 9 by 11:00, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to stay protected. From 12:00 to 13:00, the UV Index remains at its highest, encouraging the use of sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Following this peak, it begins to dip gradually, falling to 4 by 16:00 and continuing to decrease to 1 by 19:00, when the day winds down and the sun begins to set. It's crucial to be mindful of these fluctuations and take necessary precautions during the 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 index levels fluctuate significantly, with the most intense exposure occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, particularly peaking in July and August with an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. As we transition from spring into summer, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) feature a moderate UV exposure, allowing for safer sun enjoyment, but caution is still advised, especially during midday hours. Remember, even on cloudy or cooler days, UV rays can cause harm, so take the necessary precautions year-round.
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 |
| Gwangju | 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 |
| 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 |