Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sint-Martens, Belgium, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As UV rays can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage, understanding the levels of UV exposure throughout the day helps you take proactive measures. The Cfb climate of Sint-Martens, characterized by moderate temperatures and varying sunlight, presents specific UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 7. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Belgian outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful effects of the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it nudges up to 2, but the real intensity hits by 10:00 with a sudden increase to 4. The peak exposure arrives at 12:00, reaching a maximum of 7 and maintaining that level until 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually descends: 6 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 2 by 18:00 and returns to a safer 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin, 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 | 7 | 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 | 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 |
| 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 |
| Sint-Martens | 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 |