Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cherain, Belgium is essential for preserving skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and its levels can vary significantly throughout the day. For Cherain’s temperate maritime climate, which features mild summers, awareness of UV levels is crucial—particularly around midday when the index peaks at an 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By knowing when the UV Index is elevated, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect themselves and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinctive pattern, beginning at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling the start of peak sun exposure. As the clock strikes noon, the Index soars to a high of 8, remaining steady at this elevated level until 2:00 PM—the sun's zenith for UV intensity. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index dips gradually, falling to 6 by 4:00 PM, and further declining to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data implores outdoor enthusiasts to take heed around midday when protective measures are crucial to safely enjoying the sunshine.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risk for skin damage due to sun exposure. The highest-risk months are May through July, when the UV Index reaches 8, signifying very high exposure potential, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December feature much lower UV Index levels, maintaining a low exposure risk with burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high UV Index periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. In less risky months, while damage potential is lower, it's still wise to stay informed and protect your skin.
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 |
| Cherain | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |