Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sumy, Ukraine, where sunny days can significantly impact skin health. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin protection. In Sumy's Dfb climate, where summer days often bring higher UV exposure, recognizing daily fluctuations in the UV Index becomes essential for planning outdoor activities safely. Whether you're enjoying a stroll in the park or spending the day outdoors, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.
The daily UV Index begins its journey at a mild 1 at 07:00, rising steadily as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling increased intensity, and then peaks at an impressive 7 from 12:00 to 13:00—the ideal time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the Index gently declines, dipping to 5 at 15:00 and 4 at 16:00. As daylight wanes, the index settles back to 2 by 17:00, and slips to 1 by 19:00. It’s evident that during the midday hours, vigilance is crucial to protect from harmful UV exposure!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, reflecting the sun's intensity throughout the year. From January to February, the UV levels remain low (UV Index 2), allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes, making these months relatively safe for outdoor activities. As spring approaches, March and April see a rise to moderate levels (UV Index 4 and 5, respectively) with shorter burn times of 30 minutes. The summer months of May to August pose the highest risks, particularly in June and July when the UV Index peaks at 8, corresponding to a very high exposure category and a burn time of only 15 minutes. September still carries a high risk (UV Index 6) before a gradual decline in October back to moderate levels (UV Index 3). November and December return to lower UV indices (UV Index 2 and 1), allowing for longer exposure times without risk. Visitors and residents should especially prioritize sun protection during May through September, employing sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumy | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 UVI | 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 |