Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Thurso, United Kingdom, where the climate offers unique exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 7 during summer afternoons, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Thurso's cool, temperate maritime climate means that while sunny days are often mild, UV radiation can still pose a threat even when temperatures feel comfortable. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic journey through the hours, starting with a gentle rise at 07:00 with a value of 1, before gradually climbing to 2 at 08:00. By 09:00, it ramps up to 3, and at 10:00, it hits 4, signaling the sun's increasing intensity. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where the UV Index reaches a max of 7, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during these critical hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, landing at 6 by 15:00, and then sliding down to 5 at 16:00. By evening, the UV Index eases back to 3 at 17:00, before returning to its earlier levels of 2 at 18:00 and finally 1 by 19:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sun wisely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting how individuals should approach sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, starting in March, the UV Index rises to 3, marking the beginning of moderate exposure, where burn time decreases to 30 minutes. April and May see a steady increase, reaching a peak of 5 in May. The high-risk months are June through August, when the UV Index hits 7 and 6, respectively, reducing safe exposure to just 25 minutes. As the summer subsides into September and October, the UV Index falls back to moderate levels of 4 and 3. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during high-risk months, seeking shade and wearing sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays, while enjoying longer outdoor activities during the lower UV readings.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurso | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 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 |