Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Elen, Belgium, where the climate brings a mix of cloudy and sunny days. With UV levels that can reach as high as 7 during the peak hours of the day, being aware of these fluctuations is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Proper knowledge of UV exposure not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also protects against long-term skin damage. As you navigate the unique weather patterns typical of Elen, stay informed about the UV Index to ensure your sun safety year-round.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to soar, peaking at 7 between 1 PM and 2 PM. The morning starts off gently, with a low index of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9 AM. By 10 AM, the intensity increases to 4, reaching 5 at 11 AM. The sun is at its strongest at 12 PM, with a UV index of 6, before hitting its maximum of 7 during the early afternoon hours. As the day progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 6 at 3 PM, then tapering off to 5 at 4 PM. By 5 PM, it continues to fall to 3, and as evening approaches, it settles at 2 at 6 PM, finally winding down to 1 by 7 PM. It's a perfect reminder to stay protected under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elen | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 UVI | 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 |