Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Schiers, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's ET climate, which often presents a cool, high-altitude environment, it’s easy to underestimate UV radiation levels—especially when they can peak at a considerable 10 during midday hours. Understanding the fluctuating UV levels throughout the day helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage. Stay informed, and make your sun safety a priority in this beautiful alpine setting!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, beginning at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 3, prompting early risers to consider sun protection. The intensity peaks at 1:00 PM with a maximum of 10, signaling the most hazardous conditions for unprotected skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips from 9 at 2:00 PM to 6 by 4:00 PM, offering a brief respite. As the day winds down, the UV rays decrease, falling to 2 by 6:00 PM and returning to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay mindful of these fluctuations to enjoy the sun while safeguarding your skin!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risks occurring during the late spring and summer months. From May to July, the UV Index peaks at 8 to 10, categorized as very high, which corresponds to a burn time of only 15 minutes. April and August also present high exposure levels, with indices of 7 and 8 respectively. In contrast, the winter months of January and December have low UV exposure (Index 2) with much longer burn times of 45 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to remain vigilant during March through August, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks of UV exposure 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 |
| Geneve UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Schiers | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Lausanne UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |