Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Szombathely, Hungary, especially as the sun’s rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With the typical weather in this Cfb climate zone, local UV exposure can fluctuate throughout the day, peaking around midday when levels can reach a high of 8. Being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting against long-term skin damage. As summer approaches, this knowledge becomes even more essential—arm yourself with information to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of solar intensity. Starting off gently at 1 around 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. The sun's rays intensify, peaking at 8 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making it the most crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and eventually declining back to a mild 1 as the evening sets in at 6:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of vigilance during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal variations that affect exposure risk. January and February have relatively low to moderate UV levels (Index 2-3), with safe burn times of 45 and 30 minutes respectively. As spring approaches, March sees a rise to an index of 5, and by April, it reaches 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months. The most critical period arrives in May and June, where the UV Index peaks at 8-9, indicating very high exposure risk and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain this peak, before tapering off in September with a return to a high risk (UV Index 6). October brings a moderate reduction (Index 4), while winter months November and December drop back to low levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May through September, using sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize harmful effects during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miskolc UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Budapest UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Debrecen UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Szombathely | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Szeged UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Pecs UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |