Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Steffisburg, Switzerland, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months when UV levels can soar. As a town nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Steffisburg experiences moderate temperatures but can still pose significant UV exposure risks, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the index reaches its highest levels of 9 to 10. Being aware of these UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, safeguarding their skin and enjoying the beautiful, sunny days this charming town has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a clear pattern of increasing intensity. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it steadily climbs, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, caution is advised as the index spikes to 7, peaking at a striking 10 at 1:00 PM, which signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index lowering to 8 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Protecting your skin is essential during the midday hours, particularly from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, when the UV levels are at their most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant fluctuations in the UV Index. The months of May through August are particularly high-risk, with UV Index values reaching a peak of 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV exposure is strongest. March and April also show increased risk with UV Index values of 6 and 7 respectively. Conversely, January and December present lower risk levels, with UV Index values of 2 indicating low exposure and longer potential burn times of 45 minutes. It is essential to monitor UV levels year-round and adjust sun protection strategies accordingly to ensure 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 |
| Steffisburg | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |