Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hastings, United Kingdom, is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. As residents and visitors enjoy the seaside town's unique charm, being aware of UV levels becomes imperative, especially during peak hours. The climate in Hastings, classified as Cfb, brings mild summers, but this also means potential UV exposure risks can escalate. With UV Index readings reaching as high as 7 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, staying informed empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring your outdoor activities remain both enjoyable and safe.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a mild 1, barely urging caution. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a good time to grab your sunscreen. As we reach 10:00, the index peaks at a notable 5, reminding us to take cover if we’re outside. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, hitting a high of 7, where protective measures become essential. This level remains steady until 14:00, when it generates a consistent warning. The afternoon offers a gradual decline; by 16:00, it drops to 4, and the light softens as evening approaches, settling back at 2 by 18:00 and returning to its early morning calm of 1 by 19:00. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or enjoying a late afternoon stroll, always stay sun-safe!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Hastings | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |