Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Andong, South Korea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the year. The UV Index can peak significantly during midday, reaching levels as high as 12 around noon, making it important to stay informed and prepared. Being aware of UV levels helps you take necessary precautions, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, reaching a maximum of 12 by midday. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, making it a safe time for early risers. However, by 10:00, it escalates quickly to 8, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 to 13:00, where it hits 10 and 12, respectively—ideal times for seeking shade or applying sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 7 by 15:00 and gently tapering to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s crucial to stay mindful of the sun's strength during these busy hours to protect your skin effectively.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 3, where a burn can occur in 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to 7, entering the high category. The summer months of June, July, and August reach extreme levels of 11 to 12, with burn times drastically reduced to just 10 minutes. The late summer and early fall months—September and October—show a decrease to a very high level of 10 and high level of 7, respectively. April and May mark high UV risks as well, with indices at 9 and 10. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high-risk months, especially from April to September, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Andong | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 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 |