Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Castlerock, United Kingdom, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to immediate and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. Understanding these levels is especially important in this oceanic climate, where average UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at 6 during midday, residents and visitors should take proactive steps to protect themselves, ensuring they can enjoy the beauty of Castlerock while safeguarding their skin from potential harm.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure significantly varies, with the highest risk months occurring from June to August, when the UV Index peaks at 8 during June and July, indicating a very high exposure category and a quick burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels start low in January and February, and gradually rise through March and April, reaching moderate levels (3 and 5) before hitting high levels in May. Conversely, from September to December, UV exposure decreases, returning to low by late fall. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours, to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlerock | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 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 |