Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hondelange, Belgium, as it serves as a vital tool for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Hondelange's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers, the potential for higher UV exposure, particularly during peak hours—from 10 AM to 2 PM—requires vigilance. On a clear day, UV Index levels can reach as high as 9, making it imperative to take protective measures to enjoy the outdoors safely.
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 |
| Hondelange | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |