Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Opoeteren, Belgium, as it plays an essential role in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels rising to 7 during the summer months, it's vital to be aware of how these fluctuations can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Opoeteren's temperate Cfb climate contributes to a fair amount of sunshine, but without proper protection, enjoying the outdoors can quickly turn from pleasurable to painful. Stay informed and safeguard your skin health by keeping an eye on the daily UV Index!
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opoeteren | 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 |