Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Launceston, United Kingdom, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining long-term health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage, especially during the sunniest hours. With its temperate Cfb climate, Launceston often experiences varying UV exposure, making it crucial to stay informed. Typically, the UV Index peaks around midday, reaching up to 7—a level that can cause harm in just 20 minutes without proper protection. Stay vigilant and safeguard your skin as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 4 | 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 | 5 | 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 changes throughout the year, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. In this period, the UV Index peaks at 9 in June, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, individuals should be especially vigilant, with April (UV Index 6) and May (UV Index 7) also classified as high risk months, requiring shorter burn times of 25 minutes. Conversely, the beginning of the year and late fall see lower UV levels, with January and February maintaining a UV Index of 2 and a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses while seeking shade during peak sun hours, to protect against potential skin damage.
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 |
| Launceston | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |