Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Belfast, United Kingdom, where even moderate sun exposure can pose risks to skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and minimizing long-term skin damage, especially during peak summer months. Known for its temperate oceanic climate, Belfast experiences variable UV exposure, with levels often reaching 8 on clear days around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, signaling varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and February present low risk with an index of 1-2 and a burn time of 45 minutes, making them safer months for sun exposure. As spring approaches, March and April show a moderate increase, reaching an index of 4-5, with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The peak risk occurs in the summer months of May to July, with the UV Index soaring to 7-8 and corresponding burn times dropping to 15-25 minutes. August sees a slight decline to an index of 6, still in the high category, while September and October return to moderate levels of 5-3. Moving into winter, November and December revert to low exposure risks with indexes of 2-1 and longer burn times. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to be particularly cautious from May through July, ensuring proper sun protection measures such as sunscreen and clothing during these high-risk months, while enjoying the outdoors safely during the lower-risk periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 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 |