Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Horw, Switzerland is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sun exposure being a significant factor in skin damage and sunburn, it's essential to know the daily UV levels to take necessary precautions. Horw’s temperate climate presents a unique set of challenges, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to as high as 9. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that Horw has to offer while minimizing your risk of harmful effects from UV radiation.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, peaking at 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a notably high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early risers find the day starts with a comfortable 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 3 by 9 AM. By 11 AM, it reaches 7, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The intensity continues to climb, soaring to its maximum at noon with an 8, before stabilizing at 9 during the early afternoon. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index dips to 6 by 4 PM and further decreases to a 3 by 6 PM, finally settling at 1 as night falls. Enjoy the daylight, but remember to shield your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for skin damage from sun exposure. The low-risk months are January, December (UV Index 2), and November, February, October (UV Index 3), where exposure is generally safe with longer burn times of 30-45 minutes. As the season progresses into March and April (UV Index 5-6), caution is advised as burn times decrease to 25-30 minutes. The high-risk months, notably May through August (UV Index 8-9), present very high UV exposure, with burn times shortening dramatically to just 15 minutes. In September, risk lowers slightly (UV Index 6) but remains significant with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to protect their skin, especially during peak UV months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize potential harm.
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 |
| Horw | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 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 |