Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sankt Jakob in Defereggen, Austria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone enjoying the stunning Alpine environment. With sunny summer days often leading to elevated UV levels, awareness of UV radiation can help prevent painful sunburns and protect long-term skin health. Typically characterized by a Dfb climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 9. Staying informed about these levels is essential for making outdoor activities safe and enjoyable in this picturesque region.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of intensity, peaking at midday. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 13:00, where it escalates from 4 to a striking 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 5 at 16:00. The evening sees a further decrease, settling back to 2 by 18:00 and returning to 1 at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to take precautions, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV rays are most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting fluctuations in UV radiation exposure throughout the year. The highest risk months generally occur from April to August, where the UV Index reaches peak levels of 8 to 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. In contrast, January and December are safer months with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes. However, even during moderate months like February, October, and November, UV precautions remain important, as burn times drop to 30 minutes. Staying informed and protecting your skin year-round is essential for health and safety.
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 |
| Sankt Jakob in Defereggen | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |