Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zernez, Switzerland, a beautiful town nestled in the stunning Swiss Alps, where the climate is classified as ET (Tundra). With UV levels peaking at a remarkable 11 around midday, being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. High altitude and clear skies can intensify UV exposure, making it even more important to monitor and protect yourself, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe. Stay informed about the UV Index to safeguard your skin against harmful rays while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Zernez!
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear and striking progression. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the intensity gradually climbs as the sun rises. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge hits at 10:00, peaking at an impressive 11 around 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety. The index begins to taper off after this zenith, with values declining to 5 by 17:00 and dipping further to 1 as the day winds down at 19:00. This data highlights the importance of taking protective measures during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant variations, which highlight the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. High-risk months typically span from March to August, with the peak occurring in June and July, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As temperatures rise, April and May also present very high levels, with indices of 8 and 10 respectively. It is crucial during these months to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply high-SPF sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, January and December feature a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to monitor daily UV levels and adjust their sun protection strategies accordingly, especially during the peak 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 |
| Lausanne UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Zernez | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |