Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Elgin, United Kingdom, as it plays a crucial role in sun safety and skin health. With varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness can help minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Elgin's temperate maritime climate (Cfb) offers a unique blend of sun exposure and overcast days, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV trends. As UV levels peak at 7 during midday, being proactive about skin protection can ensure you enjoy the sunshine safely while embracing the beauty of your surroundings.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months typically occurring from May to August. In June, the UV Index peaks at 8, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time reduced to just 15 minutes. Conversely, from January to February and again in November to December, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer exposure times (up to 45 minutes) without significant risk. As such, for residents and visitors, it is strongly advised to take protective measures during the high UV months, particularly from May to July, which includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. During the winter months, while the risk is lower, it's still wise to remain cautious as UV rays can still cause skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 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 |