Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Chene-Bourg, Switzerland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation, informing residents when to take precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With the town’s Cfb climate, characterized by warm summers and varying cloud cover, UV exposure can be higher than expected, especially between midday and afternoon when the index peaks at 8. Stay informed about the UV levels to enjoy the beautiful Swiss outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with sun exposure.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and creeping up to 3 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity increases to 4, but it's not until 12:00 PM that it peaks at 8, indicating a strong sun. This high level maintains a steady presence between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, suggesting it's the perfect time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Protecting your skin during the midday hours is vital when the sun's rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, affecting both residents and visitors throughout the year. January and December experience the lowest UV levels, categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. From February, the UV index starts to rise, entering the moderate exposure category, and peaks during the late spring and summer months—May to August—when it reaches very high levels (8 to 10), resulting in a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. The highest risk months for UV exposure are June and July, where precautions are essential. As the fall months approach, the UV levels decrease, returning to moderate assessments by October through November. To minimize the risk of UV-related health issues, visitors and residents should take savvy precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun 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 |
| Chene-Bourg | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |