Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alta, Sweden, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin while enjoying the great outdoors. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and contributes to overall skin health, making it crucial for residents and visitors alike. Despite being located in a cooler climate zone (Dfb), Alta experiences notable UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 7. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard yourself against harmful effects of the sun, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this stunning Arctic landscape.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 4, reaching 5 by 10:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, indicating a strong need for sun protection during these hours. After hitting its zenith, the UV Index gently declines to 6 at 2:00 PM and gradually tapers off to 3 by 5:00 PM, finally settling at 1 as the sun begins to set around 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being vigilant about sun safety, especially in the midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels remain low (Index 1-2), allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to 3, indicating a moderate exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes, which continues into April and May. By June and July, UV levels escalate to 7, categorized as high, and the burn time decreases to just 25 minutes, marking this as a high-risk period for sun exposure. The UV Index begins to decline in August (Index 5) and remains moderate until September (Index 4), before returning to low levels in October, November, and December (Index 1-2, with burn times of 45 minutes). Consequently, residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the summer months, particularly from June to July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sollentuna UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Uppsala UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Stockholm UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Alta | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Goeteborg UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Malmoe UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |