Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Dumfries, United Kingdom, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for your skin health and sun safety. Understanding UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential for both residents and visitors to be aware of daily fluctuations. With a temperate maritime climate (Cfb), Dumfries experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday when levels can peak at 8—a reminder that even on cloudy days, UV rays can pose risks. Embrace the sunshine wisely by checking the UV Index regularly and protecting your skin!
The UV Index tends to peak during the daytime, offering crucial insights for those looking to enjoy the sun responsibly. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, it hits 6 at 11:00 and reaches its zenith of 8 at 13:00, prompting the need for protective measures. The UV level then slightly dips to 7 by 14:00 and remains steady until 15:00. As the day winds down, the sun's intensity decreases, bringing the index down to 4 by 17:00, and finally tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It’s clear that from late morning to early afternoon, taking precautions against UV exposure is highly advisable!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumfries | 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 |