Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Dornoch, United Kingdom, where the coastal climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Knowing the UV levels is crucial not just for preventing sunburn, but also for promoting long-term skin health, as overexposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and other related issues. With Dornoch's Cfb climate, which offers mild temperatures and significant daylight, it’s important to stay informed about daily UV forecasts. For instance, the UV Index can reach a peak of 7 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Equip yourself with knowledge to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
The UV Index starts off mildly low at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, with significant exposure risk beginning around 11:00 AM as it spikes to 6. The highest levels occur from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, maintaining a strong 7 during peak hours—perfect for sun enthusiasts but a cause for caution. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This reveals a clear pattern: the midday sun offers the greatest intensity, so sun safety measures are crucial during those 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 | 4 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, indicating changing levels of solar radiation exposure. Low-risk months are January, February, November, and December, where the UV Index ranges from 1 to 2, allowing for longer burn times of up to 45 minutes with minimal risk. In contrast, high-risk months occur from June to August, where UV Index values peak at 7 and 6, resulting in shorter burn times of only 25 minutes, suggesting that exposure should be limited. Transition months like March, April, May, September, and October present moderate UV levels, with burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high UV periods by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV intensity is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dornoch | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 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 |