Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Okehampton, United Kingdom, as it provides vital information about the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on any given day. Awareness of UV levels helps to prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, making it an essential aspect of outdoor planning. Given Okehampton's Cfb climate, characterized by temperate conditions, the risk of high UV exposure can occur even on cloudy days. With peak UV levels reaching 8 during midday hours, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from potential harm.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, reaching its peak of 8 between noon and 2 PM. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with levels at just 1 at 7 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily, hitting 5 by 10 AM and 6 by 11 AM. By 12 PM, the intensity peaks, prompting caution for those outdoors. After this midday surge, the index begins a gradual decline, dropping to 7 at 3 PM, and falling further to 4 by 5 PM. As evening approaches, UV levels decrease significantly, resting at 1 by 7 PM. It’s a clear reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Okehampton | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |