Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, is crucial for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or spends time in the sun. With its Dfa climate, Zaporizhzhya experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the summer months, making it essential to monitor UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. The UV Index ranges from 1 in the early morning to a peak of 8 around midday, indicating potential harm without proper protection. By keeping an eye on these levels, residents and visitors can enjoy sunny days safely while safeguarding their skin for the long term.
The UV Index showcases its peak intensity during the midday hours, starting at 08:00 with a modest value of 2, which swiftly escalates to a striking 8 by 12:00 and remains at this level until 13:00. As the afternoon sun begins to wane, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 6 by 15:00, and further descending to reach 3 by 17:00. As day turns into evening, the UV exposure drops significantly, culminating in a safe 1 at both 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a clear reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV Index highlight a significant increase in UV intensity during the warmer months. January starts with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for 45 minutes of safe sun exposure, while February sees a moderate increase to 3, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. As spring progresses into April, the UV Index reaches 6 (high exposure) with a burn time of 25 minutes, escalating further in May and June to 8 and 9 respectively, where burn time drops sharply to just 15 minutes under very high exposure. July and August maintain this elevated UV Index of 8, indicating continued high risk. The UV levels begin to taper off in September (high at 6), October (moderate at 4), and then drop to 3 in November and 1 in December, where safe exposure times return to 30 and 45 minutes respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, particularly from May to August, when the risk for sunburn is at its highest. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours can significantly mitigate the risk of harmful effects.
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 |
| Zaporizhzhya | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 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 |