Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria in Calanca is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With the region's Dfc climate, characterized by cool summers, UV exposure can still be significant, particularly during peak hours when the index rises to alarming levels—reaching a high of 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience in this picturesque Swiss village.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a pronounced rise, peaking at 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM, signaling some of the highest levels of ultraviolet radiation. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it gradually climbs, reaching a moderate 3 by 9 AM. The sun's intensity escalates significantly, hitting 6 by 10 AM and soaring to 8 at 11 AM. Just before noon, the UV Index peaks at a striking 9, creating an urgent need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index remains high but begins to dip, settling at 4 by 5 PM and further decreasing to 1 by 7 PM. This dynamic progression underscores the critical importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day, particularly from noon to mid-afternoon.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, indicating changes in the sun's intensity. January and December have the lowest UV levels (2), categorized as low exposure, allowing for longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. However, as we transition into February and March, the index rises to moderate (4) and high (6) categories, respectively, with reduced burn times of 30 and 25 minutes. The most critical months for sun exposure are from April to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 10 during June and July, classified as very high exposure with a rapid burn time of just 15 minutes. The UV levels then gradually decrease in September to high (7) and back to moderate levels in October and November. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and minimizing sun exposure 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 |
| Santa Maria in Calanca | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |