Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Glasgow is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially during the sunnier months when UV exposure increases. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it vital for both residents and visitors. Glasgow's maritime temperate climate offers a mix of clouds and sunshine, but when the sun is out, UV rays can be deceptively strong, peaking at levels that warrant caution in the early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely, ensuring your skin stays healthy and protected against harmful 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 |
Understanding seasonal UV changes is crucial for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. However, as March approaches, the UV Index rises to 3 (moderate), reducing safe burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months are May through August, with the UV Index peaking at 8 during June and July (very high exposure), where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. September to October sees a decrease to moderate levels (5-3), while November and December return to low (1), extending burn time back to 45 minutes. To stay safe, during the summer months, it's essential to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 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 |