Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque town of Alpnach, Switzerland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its temperate maritime climate (Cfb), Alpnach experiences significant variations in UV exposure throughout the day. Knowledge of UV levels is essential, especially during the peak hours when the index can soar to 8—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making for a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the beginning of increased UV exposure. The index surges to 4 by 10:00, peaking at an impressive 8 from 13:00 to 14:00. This is the time for sun safety awareness, as the intensity hits 7 before gradually tapering off to 5 at 16:00 and descending to 1 by 19:00. For a day filled with outdoor activities, **it's essential to consider protective measures between 11:00 and 15:00, when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and smart in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Alpnach | 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 |