Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ciney, Belgium is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly help in preventing sunburns and maintaining long-term skin health. Ciney, located in a temperate climate zone, experiences varying UV exposure risks, especially during peak sunlight hours. Keeping an eye on the UV Index allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding their skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00 AM, the index starts at a gentle 1, barely a concern. However, by 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4, signaling the time to apply sunscreen. The sun’s intensity reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, hitting a robust 7 and remaining high until 15:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 PM and declining further to 1 by 19:00 PM. Stay protected during those hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 7 | 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 |
During the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being May through August. In May, the UV Index rises to 7 (high), followed by 8 (very high) in June and July, and dropping back to 7 in August. Residents and visitors are advised to be particularly cautious during these months, limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, and applying sunscreen regularly. Conversely, from January to April and in September to December, UV levels are generally lower, with the burn time gradually increasing, allowing for safer outdoor activities. It is important to adapt your sun protection measures according to these seasonal UV changes to ensure health and safety while enjoying the outdoors.
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 |
| Ciney | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |