Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dresden, Germany, where sun exposure varies significantly throughout the day. By being aware of UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and maintain optimum skin health. With Dresden's Cfb climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and sunny summers, the potential for high UV exposure increases, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon when the index peaks at 8. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is a vital step toward enjoying the beautiful outdoor spaces of this vibrant city!
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 |
The UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, influencing both sun exposure and risk levels for skin damage. During the winter months, from December to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes, making this a relatively safer period for sun exposure. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March, the UV levels rise to a moderate index of 4, indicating the need for increased caution with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months occur from late spring to mid-summer, with May reaching an index of 7 and June and July peaking at 8, categorized as very high, significantly shortening safe exposure to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the risk reduces but remains considerable in August (UV Index 7) and September (UV Index 6), before tapering off in the fall months of October through December. Visitors and residents are advised to protect their skin during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, particularly in the peak months from April to August.
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 |
| Dresden | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 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 |