Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Bradford, United Kingdom, as it plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. With Bradford's oceanic climate (Cfb), residents often experience varying UV exposure levels throughout the year, which can lead to skin damage if not monitored. During the sun's peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, the UV Index can soar to levels 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely.
As the sun rises at 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. The intensity continues to increase, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and reaching 5 at 10:00 AM. The peak of the day arrives at 12:00 PM with a solid 7, before soaring to a high point of 8 by 1:00 PM and remaining there until 2:00 PM. The UV Index then begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, 5 by 4:00 PM, and further falling to 3 at 5:00 PM. As daylight fades, the index softens to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. Staying protected from the sun is important as the midday hours present the highest UV levels!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are from May to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 7-8, classifying them as high to very high exposure. Specifically, June and July present the greatest risk, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) show a low exposure category with UV Index values of 1-2, allowing for longer safe sun exposure (up to 45 minutes). To ensure safety, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures during the high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Bradford | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Sheffield UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Birmingham UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| London UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bristol UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |