Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Penzance, United Kingdom, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. The UV Index provides a clear measure of the sun's intensity, giving residents and visitors insight into when protection is necessary. With the temperate oceanic climate typical of Penzance, it’s easy to underestimate UV exposure, but levels can rise significantly during midday, peaking at 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. By understanding and monitoring these UV levels, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy all that the beautiful Cornish coast has to offer, while safeguarding your skin’s health.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |