Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bad Hofgastein, Austria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your safety while enjoying the stunning alpine environment. With the region's ET climate, the sun can be deceptively intense, particularly during midday hours when UV levels peak at 10—a number that signals a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn, protecting your skin health, and reducing the risk of long-term effects such as skin cancer. As you explore the picturesque landscapes, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures.
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index starts off mild with a maximum of 1 to 2, making it a safe time for early outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels rise sharply, reaching 4 by 09:00 and hitting 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 13:00 with a significant 10, indicating high exposure risk, perfect for applying sunscreen and seeking shade. As we move into the afternoon, levels gradually decrease, tapering to 9 by 14:00 and falling back to a more manageable 4 by 17:00. By evening, UV levels drop to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking a safe return for those looking to enjoy twilight outdoors. Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, indicating changes in the sun's intensity. January and December have the lowest UV levels (2), categorized as low exposure, allowing for longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. However, as we transition into February and March, the index rises to moderate (4) and high (6) categories, respectively, with reduced burn times of 30 and 25 minutes. The most critical months for sun exposure are from April to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 10 during June and July, classified as very high exposure with a rapid burn time of just 15 minutes. The UV levels then gradually decrease in September to high (7) and back to moderate levels in October and November. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Linz UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Graz UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Salzburg UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Innsbruck UVI | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Bad Hofgastein | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |