Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Oud-Heverlee, Belgium, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, particularly during the peak hours when the index can reach as high as 8—indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Given Oud-Heverlee's temperate maritime climate, it's essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are at their peak. Stay savvy and safeguard your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
The UV Index for the day presents an interesting pattern as it steadily climbs from early morning to reach its peak at 1 PM, hitting a notable 8. Starting at a muted 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, the intensity ramps up to 2 by 9 AM. 10 AM marks the first significant increase to 4, and by 11 AM, it rises to 6. The sun’s rays are at their most intense from 12 PM to 2 PM, where the index remains at 7 and 8, respectively. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 4 PM, and settling down to 2 by 7 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation poses the greatest risk.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 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 |
| Oud-Heverlee | 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 |