Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Basel, Switzerland, to protect their skin from harmful sun exposure. With values peaking at 9 during the sunniest hours, awareness of UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Basel's temperate climate offers a mix of sunny days, especially in the summer months, which can lead to increased UV exposure. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises to its peak, painting a vivid picture of sun intensity. At 7:00 AM, the index starts modestly at 1, making for a gentle morning. By 8:00 AM, we see a slight increase to 2, perfect for a stroll. The sun gains strength, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM and hitting 4 at 10:00 AM. It’s 11:00 AM when things heat up with a 6, leading into the midday sun, where the UV Index surges to a striking 8 at 12:00 PM. The peak occurs at 1:00 PM, with a sizzling 9, holding steady until 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips gradually, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then further to 6 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, it eases to 4, followed by a gentle descent to 3 at 6:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index softens to 1 by 7:00 PM, bidding farewell to a day of vibrant sun exposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basel | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bern UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Zurich UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Geneve UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Lausanne UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |