Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Porthcawl, United Kingdom, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful sun exposure. With UV levels reaching as high as 7 during the peak hours of midday, understanding these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and maintain optimal skin health. Porthcawl’s Cfb climate brings a mix of maritime influences with mild summers, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastline while safeguarding their skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 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 |
| Porthcawl | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |