Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Messancy, Belgium, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health, reducing the risk of skin damage and conditions like skin cancer. With a Cfb climate, Messancy experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, but during peak hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, UV levels can soar to 8 and 9, indicating a higher risk for exposure. Being aware of these levels allows you to take necessary precautions and 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 |
| Messancy | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |