Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Preston, United Kingdom, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With summer days bringing UV levels that can reach up to 8—especially around midday—understanding these fluctuations is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Preston's temperate maritime climate means that while sunny days can be interspersed with overcast ones, the potential for harmful UV exposure remains. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin protected and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. The intensity picks up swiftly, reaching 3 by 09:00 and climbing to a noteworthy 5 by 10:00. By 11:00, it peaks at 6, but the real heat hits around 12:00 with a maximum of 7. The index reaches its zenith at 13:00 and 14:00, both clocking in at a strong 8, signaling the need for sun protection. A gentle decline follows, tapering off to 7 at 15:00, then easing further to 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to 4 at 17:00, before settling back to 2 at 18:00 and finally concluding the day at a low 1 by 19:00. Make sure to take precautions during those peak hours to stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure significantly varies, with the highest risk months falling between May and August. In May, the UV Index reaches 7 (high), indicating a burn time of just 25 minutes, while June and July peak at 8 (very high), reducing burn time further to just 15 minutes. As summer fades, UV levels decrease, dropping to 5 in September and 4 in October, before returning to low levels of 1 or 2 during the winter months of November to February. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months, ensuring proper sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday when the sun's intensity is greatest.
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 |
| Preston | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |