Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Saint-Imier, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is vital as they can fluctuate significantly throughout the day; for instance, during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Given the town's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers, locals and visitors alike must recognize the potential for harmful UV rays even on overcast days. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the beautiful Swiss outdoors safely!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, peaking at 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a notably high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early risers find the day starts with a comfortable 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 3 by 9 AM. By 11 AM, it reaches 7, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The intensity continues to climb, soaring to its maximum at noon with an 8, before stabilizing at 9 during the early afternoon. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index dips to 6 by 4 PM and further decreases to a 3 by 6 PM, finally settling at 1 as night falls. Enjoy the daylight, but remember to shield your skin 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | 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 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 |
| Saint-Imier | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |