Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Heidelberg, Germany, where summer sun can bring both joy and risk. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation, offering essential insights for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant sun exposure, knowing the UV levels throughout the day—especially peaking between 12 PM and 2 PM—can help you take timely precautions to shield your skin from harmful rays. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from potential sun damage!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a stark rise in solar intensity as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a noteworthy 8 by 13:00, signaling the need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity remains high at 8 until 14:00, after which it begins to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and falling further to 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of safeguarding your skin, especially during the midday hours when the UV levels are most hazardous. Remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the index reaches its peak at 8 during May, June, and July, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. February and March also present moderate risk, with UV indices of 3 and 4, respectively, encouraging individuals to be mindful of sun exposure. During the winter months, notably January and December, the UV index decreases to 2 and 1, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities with less risk of overexposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Berlin UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Koeln UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Frankfurt am Main UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Heidelberg | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Munich UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |