Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Quartes, Belgium, where the climate typically exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation. Being aware of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health—especially during peak hours when the index can rise to a robust 7. With Quartes' Cfb climate, which features mild summers and occasional sunny days, it's important to stay informed about UV exposure risks to ensure safe outdoor activities. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00 AM, the index starts at a gentle 1, barely a concern. However, by 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4, signaling the time to apply sunscreen. The sun’s intensity reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, hitting a robust 7 and remaining high until 15:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 PM and declining further to 1 by 19:00 PM. Stay protected during those hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are from May to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 7-8, classifying them as high to very high exposure. Specifically, June and July present the greatest risk, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) show a low exposure category with UV Index values of 1-2, allowing for longer safe sun exposure (up to 45 minutes). To ensure safety, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures during the high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours.
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 |
| Quartes | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |