Very high risk. Extreme caution required.
UV index 10 is at the upper boundary of "Very High" risk. Fair skin burns in 5-7 minutes. This intensity is common at equatorial locations and requires the highest level of sun protection.
UV 10 is typical of midday conditions near the equator, at high altitude, and during clear-sky days in tropical regions. It is significantly more intense than anything experienced in most of Europe, northern Asia, or northern North America.
Estimated minutes until sunburn begins for each Fitzpatrick skin type at UV 10 without sunscreen or protective clothing.
| Skin Type | Burn Time | With SPF 30 | With SPF 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I - Very fair, always burns | 6 min | ~18 min | ~24 min |
| Type II - Fair, burns easily | 9 min | ~27 min | ~36 min |
| Type III - Medium, sometimes burns | 15 min | ~45 min | ~60 min |
| Type IV - Olive, rarely burns | 24 min | ~72 min | ~96 min |
| Type V - Brown, very rarely burns | 36 min | ~108 min | ~120 min |
| Type VI - Dark, never burns | 54 min | ~120 min | ~120 min |
Times are estimates based on Fitzpatrick skin typing at UV 10. Actual burn times vary by skin condition, altitude, reflection, and acclimatisation.
Outdoor exercise should be before 9 AM or after 5 PM only. Beach and pool time during midday is not recommended even with sunscreen.
Personalise your sun exposure estimate based on skin type, SPF, and clothing.
Seek shade immediately or apply SPF protection.