Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Durbuy, Belgium, where varying levels of ultraviolet radiation can pose significant risks to skin health. Being aware of the UV Index helps you protect yourself from sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. Durbuy’s temperate oceanic climate (Cfb) brings its own set of challenges, with UV exposure peaking at midday—reaching levels as high as 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin’s health.
The UV Index today begins on a gentle note, peaking at just 1 during the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it takes a significant leap to 3 by 09:00 and reaches a moderate 4 by 10:00. The sun's intensity climbs to a robust 6 at 11:00, before hitting its zenith at a powerful 8 from 13:00 to 14:00. After this peak, the UV index gradually descends, softening to 7 at 15:00, and continuing down to 4 by 17:00. As the day winds down, conditions remain mild with readings of 3 at 18:00 and finally settling at 2 by 19:00. It's an excellent reminder to stay sun-safe during those prime hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 |
| Durbuy | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |