Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque village of Cul-des-Sarts, Belgium, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as it helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during the peak hours when UV exposure reaches its highest points. With a Cfb climate, offering mild summers and moderate sun extremes, residents and visitors must be vigilant about UV risks, especially when the index climbs to 8 during midday. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the morning progresses, the index gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun kicks in, and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the UV Index surges to its peak of 8, emphasizing the need for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, settling back to 4 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder of how the intensity of UV rays fluctuates throughout the day, urging us to stay vigilant under the sun!
| 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months occurring from April to August when the UV Index peaks, reaching a maximum of 8 during May, June, and July. Visitors and residents should note that during these months, the burn time decreases to as little as 15 minutes, indicating a heightened risk for skin damage. From January to March and again in September to November, the UV Index remains lower, with sandburn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes in the moderate and low exposure categories. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed about the UV Index and take appropriate precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, especially during peak summer months when UV exposure can lead to serious health risks.
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 |
| Cul-des-Sarts | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |