Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone in Berchtesgaden, Germany, nestled within a temperate climate that offers stunning outdoor activities year-round. As the sun rises, UV levels fluctuate, peaking at 8 from 12 PM to 2 PM, which underscores the importance of being vigilant about sun exposure to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Knowing the daily UV Index not only helps residents and visitors plan their outdoor adventures but also informs crucial decisions regarding sunscreen use and protective clothing, minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage. With Berchtesgaden's picturesque mountains and valleys, awareness of UV levels ensures that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 2, but it’s by 9:00 AM that we see a moderate rise to 3. The intensity peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, hitting a high of 8, indicating that sun protection methods should be in full swing. As the afternoon progresses, values slightly decrease, with the UV Index dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and then gradually retreating to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety during the mid-day hours when UV exposure 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 January and December having the lowest levels (UV Index 2) and categorizing exposure as low. As spring arrives, March and April see an increase to high (UV Index 6-7), prompting caution for sun exposure. The summer months of May through August are the most critical, featuring very high UV Index levels (8-9), where the burn time shortens to just 15 minutes. In contrast, September regresses to high before moderating again in October and November with UV Index levels of 4 and 3, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May to August, employing sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and shade during peak hours to minimize UV-related health risks.
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 |
| Munich UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Berchtesgaden | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |