Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Incheon, South Korea, where the Cwa climate brings both beautiful summers and UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching up to 11 during midday hours, being aware of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. As the sun ascends in the sky, so do the risks associated with higher UV radiation; hence, monitoring this index can help everyone enjoy the outdoors responsibly while minimizing harmful effects on the skin. Whether you're soaking up the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, staying informed about UV levels in Incheon is a key step toward protecting your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a minimal level of 1 at 07:00, gently warming the day. By 08:00, it escalates to 3, hinting at increased sun exposure. The intensity peaks at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index hits a blistering 10 and 11 respectively, urging everyone to seek shade and slather on the SPF. The afternoon keeps the heat on, with the UV Index remaining high at 10 until 14:00. As the sun starts to dip, there’s a noticeable drop—7 at 15:00, 4 at 16:00, before cooling down to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day that showcases the sun's power, reminding us to stay sun-safe 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 | 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 |
| 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 |