Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Brighton, United Kingdom is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With a coastal climate characterized by mild summers and brisk winds, Brightonians must remain vigilant about the sun's harmful rays, especially during peak hours. The UV Index can rise to a level 7 at midday, posing significant risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV levels and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy Brighton's beautiful beaches while safeguarding your skin for years to come.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its slow ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 2, and as the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it reaches 3. The true intensity of the sun emerges around 10:00 AM, with the index leaping to 5. Just prior to noon, at 11:00 AM, it peaks at 6, but the real highlight comes at 12:00 PM, when it hits an impressive 7. This high continues until 2:00 PM, showcasing a strong midday sun before gradually easing off. By 3:00 PM, the index dips to 6, and by 4:00 PM, it further descends to 4. As the day winds down, the UV levels drop significantly; by 6:00 PM, it returns to 2, and finally settles back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect yourself during those peak hours! ☀️
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, influencing both sun exposure and risk levels for skin damage. During the winter months, from December to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes, making this a relatively safer period for sun exposure. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March, the UV levels rise to a moderate index of 4, indicating the need for increased caution with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months occur from late spring to mid-summer, with May reaching an index of 7 and June and July peaking at 8, categorized as very high, significantly shortening safe exposure to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the risk reduces but remains considerable in August (UV Index 7) and September (UV Index 6), before tapering off in the fall months of October through December. Visitors and residents are advised to protect their skin during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, particularly in the peak months from April to August.
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 |
| 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 |
| Brighton | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |