Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Donetsk, Ukraine is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. The UV Index serves as a vital indicator of radiative risk, helping residents prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Donetsk's continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons and varying UV exposure, knowing when the UV levels peak (with a high of 8 between noon and 1 PM) can significantly influence outdoor activities. Awareness of these daily fluctuations empowers you to take proactive measures, ensuring you enjoy the warmth of the sun safely.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking at 8 between noon and 1 PM. Early risers will find the UV Index at its lowest, starting at just 1 at 7 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it swiftly escalates to 3 by 8 AM and hits 6 by 10 AM, making it essential to start protecting your skin early. The index reaches its maximum of 8 at 12 PM, maintaining this level until 1 PM, signaling the highest risk for UV exposure. After this peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 7 at 2 PM and then tapering off to 5 by 3 PM. By the evening, levels settle to a safe 1 by 7 PM, reminding us to stay vigilant during those mid-day hours when the sun's rays are most intense. Stay sun-smart and enjoy your day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May to August, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 9 in June and remains at 8 during July and August, indicating a very high exposure category and a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, winter months see much lower UV levels, with January and November registering a UV Index of 2 and December dropping to 1, categorized as low exposure. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months by minimizing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, particularly between late spring and early fall when UV radiation is at its strongest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyiv UVI | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Kharkiv UVI | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Dnipro UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Donetsk | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Odessa UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |