Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland is crucial for safeguarding your skin and promoting overall health. As the sun rises over this picturesque valley, UV exposure can significantly increase, peaking at an index of 11 around midday. Awareness of these levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy Lauterbrunnen's stunning natural beauty safely. With its Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent sunlight, residents and visitors alike must stay informed about UV risks throughout the day, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Gear up with sun protection and embrace the breathtaking landscapes while staying safe!
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.
| 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 |
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 |