Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Wijchmaal, Belgium, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With a Cfb climate that offers moderate temperatures and varying cloud cover, residents face unique UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours, from 11 AM to 3 PM, when UV levels can soar as high as 8. Stay informed and embrace safe sun practices to enjoy the beautiful sunny days in Wijchmaal!
From dawn to dusk, the UV Index displays a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, it starts off conservatively at 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. Following this zenith, the index begins to decline, dipping back to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 again by 7:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, keep an eye on the UV levels, particularly during midday when they reach their highest and most potent levels!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wijchmaal | 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 |