Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mater, Belgium, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day helps residents and visitors alike to effectively manage sun exposure, preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. With Mater's mild Cfb climate, UV exposure can spike during midday hours, reaching levels of up to 7. This highlights the importance of taking precautions during sunny days and ensuring that protective measures, such as sunscreen and appropriate clothing, are part of your outdoor routine. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00 AM, the index starts at a gentle 1, barely a concern. However, by 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4, signaling the time to apply sunscreen. The sun’s intensity reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, hitting a robust 7 and remaining high until 15:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 PM and declining further to 1 by 19:00 PM. Stay protected during those hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mater | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |