Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Gstaad, Switzerland, is crucial for safeguarding your skin while enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues, ensuring that outdoor activities remain both enjoyable and safe. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Gstaad experiences a diverse range of weather, yet during the sunny months, UV exposure can peak significantly, especially around midday when values reach as high as 9. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions to protect yourself under the radiant Swiss sun.
Starting off with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day gradually warms up, reaching a significant maximum of 9 by 1:00 PM. The sun shines brightest during the midday hours, peaking at 8 around noon before sizzling down to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels begin to drop, concluding the day with a more manageable 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting fluctuations in UV radiation exposure throughout the year. The highest risk months generally occur from April to August, where the UV Index reaches peak levels of 8 to 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. In contrast, January and December are safer months with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes. However, even during moderate months like February, October, and November, UV precautions remain important, as burn times drop to 30 minutes. Staying informed and protecting your skin year-round is essential for health and safety.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Gstaad | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |