Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saint-Ghislain, Belgium, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increasing alongside UV levels, awareness of daily exposure is essential, especially during peak hours. Saint-Ghislain, characterized by its oceanic climate (Cfb), experiences variable UV risks, peaking at levels 7 to 8 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors responsibly while protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the morning progresses, the index gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun kicks in, and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the UV Index surges to its peak of 8, emphasizing the need for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, settling back to 4 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder of how the intensity of UV rays fluctuates throughout the day, urging us to stay vigilant under the sun!
| 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The seasonal UV changes throughout the year reveal notable fluctuations in sun exposure risk. January and February present the lowest UV Index values (2), classified as low exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April see an increase to moderate levels (4 and 5), shortening burn time to 30 minutes. The risk peaks during May through July, with high (7) to very high (8) UV Index levels, leading to significantly reduced burn times of just 15 to 25 minutes. August starts to decline slightly to a high level (7), while September and October return to moderate ratings. The year wraps up with November and December falling back to low UV levels (2 and 1), allowing for longer burn times once more. Visitors and residents should particularly be cautious from May through July, taking proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Saint-Ghislain | 2 | 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 |