Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Brussels, Belgium, as it plays a vital role in safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its temperate maritime climate, Brussels experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around midday when the index can reach a maximum of 8. This means that awareness of UV exposure is essential, especially during the sunny summer months, when even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful parks and historic sites of Brussels while keeping your skin protected.
The UV Index for the day reveals a steady rise in solar intensity, peaking dramatically at 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting off gently with a maximum of 1 in the early hours, the index gradually climbs to a moderate 4 by 10:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges, hitting 5 at 11:00 AM and then escalating to 7 by noon. Be cautious during the peak hours, especially when the UV Index reaches its maximum of 8 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After 3:00 PM, the index begins to decline, settling at 4 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM, inviting a more relaxed evening under the sun. Stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy a safe and sunny day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are from May to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 7-8, classifying them as high to very high exposure. Specifically, June and July present the greatest risk, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) show a low exposure category with UV Index values of 1-2, allowing for longer safe sun exposure (up to 45 minutes). To ensure safety, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures during the high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gent UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Antwerpen UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Brussels | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Liege UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Charleroi UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |