For comparison, the UK’s average is 3.08 – nearly four times lower. Among the popular European destinations, Cyprus has the highest UV level (6.33), followed by its Mediterranean neighbours Malta, Greece and Turkey.
UV levels of the UK’s 50 most popular holiday destinations.
| # | 1 |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Average | 11.75 |
| UK visitors in 2019 | 94,000 |
What is the highest UV Index in the UK?
8
The UV Index indicates the degree of risk of sunburn and runs from 1-20. The highest level recorded in the UK is usually 8, but only in Southern England.
Where is UV exposure the highest?
Latitude: the closer to the equator, the higher the UVR levels. Altitude: UVR levels increase with altitude as the air is thinner and less UVR is absorbed. Cloud cover: UVR levels are highest under cloudless skies but can be high even with cloud cover. Ozone: ozone absorbs part of the UVR from the sun.
What is the average UV Index in UK?
The UV Index can range from 0 (at night) to 11 or 12. It might even be higher in the tropics and/or at high elevations under clear skies. The UV Index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks around the summer solstice).
What time of day is UV highest UK?
Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10am to 3pm. The ultraviolet rays are strongest during this time.
Is the sun stronger in UK?
The sun is often strong enough in the UK to damage your skin, even if it’s cold or cloudy.
How high does the UV get in London?
8
London UV index
The UV Index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks around the summer solstice).
At what UV level do I need sunscreen?
5 or above
Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, should always be taken when the UV index is 5 or above. The UV index is measured on a scale of 0 to 11+. 0 to 2: Low exposure to UV rays is expected for that day. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses on bright days, and cover up your skin if it burns easily.
How long does it take to tan in UV 4?
TABLE 1. MINUTES OF SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE FOR SUFFICIENT VITAMIN D
| SKIN REACTION TO SUNLIGHT | UV Index | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 | 6-7 | |
| Skin type III: Occasionally burn, slowly tan | 20-30 min. | 15-20 min. |
| Skin type IV: Rarely burn, rapidly tan | 30-40 min. | 20-30 min. |
| Skin type V & VI: Very rarely burn, always dark | 40-60 min. | 30-40 min. |
What city has the lowest UV index?
Manchester, New Hampshire comes out on top with the lowest pollution level and UV ray index, rendering it the healthiest city to live in for your skin. Manchester is followed by Burlington, Vermont; New York City, New York; Anchorage, Alaska; and Fargo, North Dakota.
What month is the sun strongest UK?
Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you: spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
What UV index is good for tanning UK?
It is important to remember that, in practice, no UV index is truly good for tanning. The NHS warns that a “healthy tan” does not really exist, spending long periods of time in direct sunlight is not recommended, no matter the UV index value, as any tan can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
What month are UV rays strongest?
What affects UV exposure? The strength of the sun’s UV rays reaching the ground depends on a number of factors, such as: Time of day: UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm. Season of the year: UV rays are stronger during spring and summer months.
Do I need sunscreen after 4pm?
Early Morning and Evening Sun
However, the sun still emits UV rays outside of peak daylight hours, even as early as 6-8 a.m. and as late as 4-6 p.m. That means you still need to wear sunscreen in the early morning and evening hours to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
How long should I tan in UV 5?
Example of UV Index Forecast
| UV Index Number | Exposure Level | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Moderate | 45 minutes |
| 5 | ||
| 6 | High | 30 minutes |
| 7 |
Can you tan in low UV?
While getting sunburn in UV 1 or 2 conditions is extremely unlikely, it’s still not impossible. So can you tan with a UV index of 1 or 2? Probably, but it would take a while.
Should you wear sunscreen everyday UK?
While the skin is at its most vulnerable when on holiday in the sun, the risk of skin damage is a year-round concern. Dr Hiva explains: “it’s really important to use a sunscreen every day, even in winter months, because ultraviolet, which is an invisible radiation, is present all year round, even in the winter months.
Why does the sun feel stronger in the UK?
‘Britain feels a lot hotter’
Humidity is one reason, explained the Met Office. The UK has a higher level of humidity than the European continent and “it is harder for the human body to keep cool as your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly.”
Why is the sun never out in the UK?
The world’s largest empire
The British empire spanned the globe. This led to the saying that the sun never set on it, since it was always daytime somewhere in the empire. It’s hard to figure out exactly when this long daylight began.
Is UV worse on cloudy days?
When compared with completely clear skies, studies have shown that partially cloudy skies have raised the UV-B rays by 25% and increased DNA damage up to 40%! So yes! Cloudy days can actually be more dangerous for your skin!
Do clouds block UV?
While clouds do reduce some of the sun’s UV rays, they don’t block all of them, as the Skin Cancer Foundation explains. UVA rays can penetrate clouds, and they can also reach below the water’s surface.