Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Donetsk, Ukraine, as it serves as a vital tool for assessing solar radiation levels and their potential impact on health. With the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increasing significantly during peak UV exposure, being informed about daily UV levels can help you take proactive steps to protect your skin. Donetsk, characterized by its Dfb climate, experiences varying UV intensity, particularly during summer months when UV levels can soar to 9 around midday. Staying aware of these levels not only safeguards your skin health but also enhances your overall outdoor experience in this vibrant city.
The UV Index during the day shows a dynamic rise and fall in exposure levels. Beginning at 7:00 AM with a low of 2, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 at 8:00 AM and hitting 5 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at a robust 9 by noon, marking the highest point of the day. The intensity slightly dips but remains strong throughout the early afternoon, with values around 8 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The index then gradually declines, dropping to 2 by 5:00 PM and further tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM and beyond. This data underscores the importance of taking sun safety precautions, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 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 |