Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Umeå, Sweden is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. Umeå’s humid continental climate brings varying UV levels throughout the year, with midday readings peaking around 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV exposure, residents and visitors can take the necessary precautions to protect their skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Prioritizing UV awareness not only helps avert potential skin damage but also fosters a healthier lifestyle in this picturesque northern city.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, it starts off low at 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a moderate increase in sun intensity. The sun is at its highest strength from 12:00 to 13:00, where it hits 5—a level that calls for protective measures if you're outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips back down; by 16:00, it slips to 3, then continues its decline to 1 by 19:00. It’s a day that emphasizes midday caution but rewards your evening relaxation with a retreat from intense UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months being June and July, when the UV Index reaches 6, indicating high exposure, and a burn time of only 25 minutes. As spring approaches, April and May transition to moderate levels, with UV Index values of 3 and 5, respectively, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. During the winter and early spring months of January through March, the UV Index remains quite low, primarily falling between 1 and 2, allowing for a safe 45-minute burn time. To ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors, visitors and residents are advised to monitor the UV Index closely and take necessary precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umea | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |