Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Thatcham, United Kingdom, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially as the sun's intensity varies throughout the day. Given Thatcham’s temperate oceanic climate, residents and visitors should be mindful of the typical UV exposure risks—particularly during midday when the UV Index peaks at 7. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its slow ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 2, and as the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it reaches 3. The true intensity of the sun emerges around 10:00 AM, with the index leaping to 5. Just prior to noon, at 11:00 AM, it peaks at 6, but the real highlight comes at 12:00 PM, when it hits an impressive 7. This high continues until 2:00 PM, showcasing a strong midday sun before gradually easing off. By 3:00 PM, the index dips to 6, and by 4:00 PM, it further descends to 4. As the day winds down, the UV levels drop significantly; by 6:00 PM, it returns to 2, and finally settles back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect yourself during those peak hours! ☀️
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 |
| Thatcham | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bristol UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |