Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Penzance, United Kingdom. With its Cfb climate, the area experiences varied sunlight throughout the year, making it essential to stay informed about UV levels to protect against sunburn and maintain skin health. The UV Index can reach a peak of 9 during midday hours, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By checking the daily UV Index, you can take necessary precautions—like applying sunscreen or seeking shade—to enjoy the beautiful Penzance coastline while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index today shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking in the midday sun. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to reach 8 by 12:00, just before the sun reaches its zenith. The intensity spikes to its highest point of 9 at 13:00, remaining high until 14:00, when it begins to taper off. By 15:00, it drops to 7, continuing its downward trend to 4 by 17:00, and then easing back to the safer 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect yourself during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun’s rays are strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |