Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Thurso, United Kingdom, is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by mild summers and relatively cool temperatures, the UV levels can still pose significant risks, especially when exposure peaks around midday. On sunny days, even moderate levels of UV radiation can lead to skin damage, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed. The UV Index here typically rises to 5 during midday hours, underscoring the importance of protective measures. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. It gradually ascends to 5 by noon, peaking at 5 from 12:00 to 14:00—a time when staying shaded or wearing sunscreen is highly advisable. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dipping back to 4 at 15:00 and further down to 2 by 17:00, as the day winds down. Finally, the UV Index settles at 1 again by 19:00, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's waning influence. This hourly pattern underscores the importance of being sun-smart, especially during the peak hours when the index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |