Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Habay-la-Vieille, Belgium is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the area's temperate oceanic climate. With UV levels typically peaking around midday, reaching as high as 9 during the summer months, local residents and visitors need to stay vigilant about sun protection. As UV radiation can lead to both immediate and long-term skin damage, being aware of these levels not only helps protect against painful sunburn but also contributes to overall skin vitality and wellness. So, whether you're enjoying the outdoors or soaking up the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin.
Radiating through the early hours, the UV Index begins with a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, so does the intensity, peaking at 9 by 13:00, indicating the day's highest UV exposure. A slight dip occurs as the clock ticks past the afternoon, with values decreasing to 6 at 16:00 and further to 4 by 17:00. As the day transitions to evening, the index falls back to 3 at 18:00 and concludes at a modest 1 by 19:00. This hourly progression highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly during the midday hours when protection is essential!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months identified primarily from April to August, where the index peaks at an alarming 9 in June. During these months, the exposure category escalates to very high, resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, November, and December have low UV levels, making sun protection less critical, with burn times extending to 45 minutes. As such, it’s essential for both visitors and residents to stay vigilant during the peak months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest.
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 |
| Habay-la-Vieille | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |