UV Index in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In the breathtaking landscape of Grindelwald, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health during outdoor activities. With the sun's intensity peaking around noon, knowledge of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Grindelwald's Cfb climate means visitors often enjoy clear skies, but it also means that UV exposure can be significant, particularly during the summer months. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to safely enjoy the stunning Alpine surroundings.

Hourly UV Index in Grindelwald

The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear and striking progression. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the intensity gradually climbs as the sun rises. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge hits at 10:00, peaking at an impressive 11 around 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety. The index begins to taper off after this zenith, with values declining to 5 by 17:00 and dipping further to 1 as the day winds down at 19:00. This data highlights the importance of taking protective measures during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Grindelwald

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during late spring and summer months. Notably, March through August are high-risk periods, as the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—peaking at 11 in June. During these months, burn times drastically decrease, with only 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure required to risk skin damage. In contrast, the risk is far lower in the winter months, particularly January and December, where the burn time extends to 30 to 45 minutes and the UV Index remains moderate to low. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution and protect their skin, especially from March to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Grindelwald, Switzerland

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Grindelwald. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Grindelwald, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Grindelwald UV Index with Other Switzerland Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Grindelwald compares to other major locations across Switzerland. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Grindelwald's solar exposure compared to other cities in Switzerland. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Basel UVI	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
Grindelwald	3	4	8	9	10	11	10	9	7	6	3	2