The UV index describes the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The need for protection begins when the UV index is at least 3, a level which is exceeded on the south coast of Finland from May to August. The highest value of the UV index in Finland is between 6 and 7 and can be reached on the south coast in mid-summer at noon. In the Mediterranean countries, the UV index is between 8 to 10 in the summer. At equatorial latitudes or in the mountains, the UV index may rise above 12.

UV Index	Intensity of UV radiation	Protection measures
0 - 2	Low	Sun protection is generally not needed unless outside for extended periods.
3 - 5	Moderate	Protection required: Seek shade during midday hours! Slip on a shirt! Slop on sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF) Slap on a hat! Wear sunglasses!
6 - 7	High	"
8 - 10	Very high	Extra protection is needed: Avoid being outside during midday hours! Make sure you seek shade! Shirt, sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF), sunglasses and hat are a must.
11 +	Extreme	"

Note: The recommendations apply for the daily maximum level of the UV Index when skies are cloudless.

Caution: UV exposure on snow, water and at the beach (lucid sand areas) may be higher than the predicted maximum UV Index for that day. That’s because UV radiation is reflected from bright or reflective surfaces. Special attention should therefore be paid to sufficient sun protection in such situations.

The website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute has a forecast of the UV index for the world for the current and the next two days. You can check the forecast for UV index for several locations around the world.

In addition to the forecasts, the service also provides the daily measured UV index values at the Finnish observation stations: Helsinki, Utö, Jokioinen, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Sotkamo and Sodankylä.

Average UV index at a clear weather in Helsinki during the year.