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The effects of transient increases in UVB radiation on plants are not well known; whether cumulative damage dominates or, alternately, an increase in photoprotection and recovery periods ameliorates any negative effects. We investigated photosynthetic capacity and metabolite accumulation of grapevines (Vitis vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon) in response to UVB fluctuations under four treatments: fluctuating UVB (FUV) and steady UVB radiation (SUV) at similar total biologically effective UVB dose (2.12 and 2.23 kJ m−2 day−1), and their two respective no UVB controls. We found a greater decrease in stomatal conductance under SUV than FUV. There was no decrease in maximum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) or its operational efficiency (ɸPSII) under the two UVB treatments, and Fv/Fm was higher under SUV than FUV. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced under FUV in the light‐limited region of rapid light‐response curves but enhanced by SUV in the light‐saturated region. Flavonol content was similarly increased by both UVB treatments. We conclude that, while both FUV and SUV effectively stimulate acclimation to UVB radiation at realistic doses, FUV confers weaker acclimation than SUV. This implies that recovery periods between transient increases in UVB radiation reduce UVB acclimation, compared to an equivalent dose of UVB provided continuously. Thus, caution is needed in interpreting the findings of experiments using steady UVB radiation treatments to infer effects in natural environments, as the stimulatory effect of steady UVB is greater than that of the equivalent fluctuating UVB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]