Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the stunning scenery of Saalbach, Austria. In this beautiful alpine village, where the sun shines brightly against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, being aware of UV levels can make a significant difference in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Given Saalbach's ET climate, visitors and residents alike should recognize that even on seemingly mild days, UV exposure can peak around noon, with values soaring to as high as 9. By staying informed and taking proper precautions, you can fully enjoy Saalbach's breathtaking outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinct rise and fall in sun intensity. Morning hours start off with a low UV Index, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the afternoon sees a notable surge, reaching a maximum of 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected solar exposure. From 2:00 PM, values maintain the 9 before gently tapering down to 7 at 3:00 PM, followed by a decline to 6 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops considerably, ending the evening back at 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember: during those peak hours, staying protected is key!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with January and December having the lowest levels (UV Index 2) and categorizing exposure as low. As spring arrives, March and April see an increase to high (UV Index 6-7), prompting caution for sun exposure. The summer months of May through August are the most critical, featuring very high UV Index levels (8-9), where the burn time shortens to just 15 minutes. In contrast, September regresses to high before moderating again in October and November with UV Index levels of 4 and 3, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May to August, employing sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and shade during peak hours to minimize UV-related health risks.
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 |
| Saalbach | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |