Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors to Olonkinbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen. As this Arctic community experiences long periods of daylight during summer months, awareness of UV levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. With a climate categorized as ET (Tundra), Olonkinbyen may boast cooler temperatures, yet UV exposure can still pose risks, particularly during midday when indexes reach levels of 4. Staying informed about UV conditions will help you enjoy the stunning landscapes while protecting your skin!
The UV Index today begins its ascent as early as 8:00 AM, starting at a modest 1, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 10:00 AM, the index rises to 2, indicating a bit more caution. As the day progresses, the index hits 3 by 11:00 AM, then reaches its peak of 4 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM—the time when sun protection is crucial. Fortunately, by 6:00 PM, the UV levels dip back down to 3, followed by a further reduction to 2 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it’s an ideal day to enjoy the sun, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with the highest exposure occurring from April to August. April marks the beginning of increased UV radiation, with a moderate index of 3 and a burn time of 30 minutes. This trend continues into the summer months, where May, June, and July maintain a UV Index of 4, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure in as little as 30 minutes. August sees a slight decrease to an index of 3, while September drops further to 2, returning to low levels by October, November, and December. Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longyearbyen UVI | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Olonkinbyen | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |