Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Herford, Germany, being aware of the UV Index is more than just a fleeting statistic; it's a crucial aspect of safeguarding your skin health. The UV Index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, which peaks during the midday hours, making sunburn prevention essential for all outdoor activities. Understanding these levels can help you take proactive measures against harmful effects, especially given Herford's Cfb climate—characterized by moderate summers and frequent cloud cover that can still allow harmful rays to penetrate. With UV Index readings climbing to 7 during midday, it's vital for residents and visitors to stay informed and protect themselves effectively to enjoy the beautiful days while keeping their skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a gentle time to venture outdoors. By 09:00, it ramps up to 3, signaling the beginning of the day’s peak sun exposure. 10:00 sees a rise to 4, and things heat up significantly by 11:00 with a UV Index of 5. The highest point peaks at 12:00, 13:00, and 14:00 with a striking 7, urging everyone to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines to 6 by 15:00, and continues to drop to 3 by 17:00. Finally, it winds down for the evening, returning to 2 at 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00, indicating that the sun is setting and the day’s harshest rays are behind us. Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, necessitating varying levels of sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for extended exposure times without burning, approximately 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index rises, reaching moderate levels (4-5) in March and April, where 30-minute burn times apply. The summer months of May through July present the highest risk, with UV Index values peaking at 8 and very high exposure categories, meaning that unprotected skin can burn in just 15 minutes. August sees a slight decrease, but still maintains a high UV Index of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes. In contrast, September to October return to moderate levels, allowing for 30-minute safe exposure, while November and December drop back down to low levels (1-2) with burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of May through July, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and safeguard skin health.
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 |
| Herford | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 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 |