Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ballintoy Harbour, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As you explore this stunning coastal gem, knowing the daily UV levels can help you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin. With a temperate maritime climate typical of the region, UV exposure can vary, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 6, marking the importance of sun protection. By staying informed about UV levels, you can better safeguard your skin and ensure your time in Ballintoy Harbour remains safe and enjoyable.
The day's UV index begins low, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it gradually increases, peaking at 6 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, indicating a moderate to high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. The index then starts to wane, falling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and closing the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. For sunseekers, the midday hours are the most critical, urging caution and protection to enjoy the vibrant outdoors safely.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |
Understanding seasonal UV changes is crucial for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. However, as March approaches, the UV Index rises to 3 (moderate), reducing safe burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months are May through August, with the UV Index peaking at 8 during June and July (very high exposure), where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. September to October sees a decrease to moderate levels (5-3), while November and December return to low (1), extending burn time back to 45 minutes. To stay safe, during the summer months, it's essential to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballintoy Harbour | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |