Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cardiff, United Kingdom, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 7 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Cardiff’s Cfb climate means mild summers with occasional strong UV exposure, making it crucial to gauge daily UV levels. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a steady climb, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 7. The morning begins gently, with values starting at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun ascends higher, the index swells to 6 by 11:00 and peaks at 7 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating strong sun exposure. Post-peak, the UV Index gracefully descends, slipping back to 6 at 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay mindful of sun protection, especially during those peak 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, significantly influencing exposure risks for both residents and visitors. The high-risk months for UV exposure are typically from April to August, where the index peaks at 8 during June and July, indicating very high exposure levels with a burn time of just 15 minutes. March marks the transition into the moderate category with an index of 4, while from October to February, the risk decreases to the low category, allowing for extended burn times of 45 minutes in winter months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures when UV levels are moderate or higher, particularly by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during the higher index months to safeguard against harmful sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Cardiff | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |