Moderate to high risk. Protection measures are essential.
UV index 5 is the upper boundary of moderate risk. Fair skin can burn in 15-25 minutes. This is the level where all skin types should take active sun protection measures.
UV 5 is common during late morning or early afternoon in temperate summers. At this level, even brief outdoor sessions without protection can lead to redness for fair skin.
Estimated minutes until sunburn begins for each Fitzpatrick skin type at UV 5 without sunscreen or protective clothing.
| Skin Type | Burn Time | With SPF 30 | With SPF 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I - Very fair, always burns | 12 min | ~36 min | ~48 min |
| Type II - Fair, burns easily | 18 min | ~54 min | ~72 min |
| Type III - Medium, sometimes burns | 30 min | ~90 min | ~120 min |
| Type IV - Olive, rarely burns | 48 min | ~120 min | ~120 min |
| Type V - Brown, very rarely burns | 72 min | ~120 min | ~120 min |
| Type VI - Dark, never burns | 108 min | ~120 min | ~120 min |
Times are estimates based on Fitzpatrick skin typing at UV 5. Actual burn times vary by skin condition, altitude, reflection, and acclimatisation.
Outdoor activities require planning. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out. Runners and cyclists should consider UV-protective clothing.
Personalise your sun exposure estimate based on skin type, SPF, and clothing.
Consider seeking shade or reapplying sunscreen.