Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Southampton, United Kingdom is essential for safeguarding your skin health during sunny days. As UV levels can rise significantly, especially around midday, being aware of these fluctuations helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Southampton’s maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and overcast skies, can lead to unexpected UV exposure risks, making it crucial to monitor the UV Index regularly. With peak values reaching 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and protect their skin.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun gradually intensifies, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the index climbs to 4, marking the beginning of a more active sun exposure period. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a robust 8, indicating that it's time to seek shade and lather on the sunscreen. Throughout the afternoon, the levels maintain a high of 8 until 2:00 PM, before gently tapering off to 7 by 3:00 PM and gradually declining to 5 by 4:00 PM, and further down to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index falls to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally settles back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Stay sun-smart and enjoy your day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, significantly influencing exposure risks for both residents and visitors. The high-risk months for UV exposure are typically from April to August, where the index peaks at 8 during June and July, indicating very high exposure levels with a burn time of just 15 minutes. March marks the transition into the moderate category with an index of 4, while from October to February, the risk decreases to the low category, allowing for extended burn times of 45 minutes in winter months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures when UV levels are moderate or higher, particularly by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during the higher index months to safeguard against harmful sun exposure.
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 |
| Southampton | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |