Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Penzance, United Kingdom, where the temperate maritime climate brings varying levels of solar radiation throughout the year. With UV values peaking at 7 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Given the picturesque coastal beauty of Penzance, it’s easy to underestimate the sun’s intensity, but being informed can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Stay protected and enjoy the sun wisely!
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 |
Seasonal UV changes reveal a significant increase in UV intensity as we progress from winter to summer. January and February show a low UV Index of 2, with a relatively safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, March transitions to a moderate UV Index of 4, prompting a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The peak UV exposure occurs during the summer months of June and July, where the Index reaches 9 and 8, respectively, categorizing these months as very high risk with burn times as short as 15 minutes. August remains similarly risky, followed by a decrease in September to a high UV Index of 6, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. As we enter autumn, October sees a moderate shift, with an Index of 4 and a burn time of 30 minutes, before returning to low levels by November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution and consider sun protection, especially from March through September, when UV exposure is at its highest, to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Penzance | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |