Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Butgenbach, Belgium, as it serves as a vital tool for sun safety and skin health. Elevated UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage. Butgenbach's Cfb climate typically features varying UV exposure risks throughout the year, making it essential to keep an eye on the daily UV Index. With peak values reaching 9 between noon and early afternoon, being aware of these levels can help you take necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals an interesting pattern of sun exposure. Early risers will find a gentle start at 1 by 07:00, slowly increasing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, it peaks at 9 during the afternoon's warmest hours, specifically 13:00. The intensity then tapers off, with values decreasing to 6 by 16:00 and dropping further to 1 by 19:00. Notably, the high point occurs at 12:00, reaching a robust 8—ideal for sun lovers, but a friendly reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, indicating changes in sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to April, the UV levels remain low to moderate, with the highest burn time of 45 minutes in January and November. However, the risk escalates markedly in May and June, where UV Index values reach 8 and 9 respectively, categorizing these months as very high risk, with a drastically reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The summer months of July and August maintain high levels of UV exposure, registering UV indices of 8 and 7. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, with October recording a moderate level, and finally tapering back to low levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly during the high-risk months of May through August, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the potential for skin damage.
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 |
| Charleroi UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Butgenbach | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |