Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. As the sun's intensity fluctuates throughout the day, being aware of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also promotes long-term skin health. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Lauterbrunnen experiences varied weather patterns, leading to fluctuating UV exposure risks. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 10 around midday, vigilance is essential for both residents and visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of this stunning alpine valley without compromising their skin's health.
The UV index begins its ascent at 07:00, starting at a gentle 1, then climbs gradually through the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but from 11:00 onwards, the sun's intensity becomes pronounced, peaking at an impressive 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. After this zenith, the index dips to 8 at 15:00 and continues its decline, settling back to 2 by 18:00. As the day winds down into the evening, the UV index drops to a low 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer sun exposure levels. Enjoy the sunshine while staying protected during the high points!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Lauterbrunnen | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |