Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Davos, Switzerland, where the stunning alpine scenery often comes with hidden risks. As the sun's rays reach their peak, knowing the UV levels can help you take essential measures to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With Davos' climate categorized as ET (tundra), the combination of altitude and sunlight can lead to higher UV exposure, especially during the midday hours when the index can soar to levels of 10 or more. Stay informed to enjoy the breathtaking outdoors while keeping your skin safe!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it steadily ascends, reaching 2 by 08:00 and escalating to 3 by 09:00. The peak of the day arrives at noon with a striking 9, just before it hits its maximum of 10 from 13:00 to 14:00, signifying a need for sun protection. The intensity begins to taper off after that, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then descending through 7 at 16:00, and winding down to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 3 by 18:00 and finally returns to 1 by 19:00, illustrating the clear and powerful influence of the sun throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting fluctuations in UV radiation exposure throughout the year. The highest risk months generally occur from April to August, where the UV Index reaches peak levels of 8 to 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. In contrast, January and December are safer months with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes. However, even during moderate months like February, October, and November, UV precautions remain important, as burn times drop to 30 minutes. Staying informed and protecting your skin year-round is essential for health and 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 |
| Davos | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |