Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Locarno, Switzerland is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With its beautiful climate, Locarno offers delightful outdoor activities, but awareness of UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. High UV exposure—even during seemingly mild hours—can lead to short-term discomfort and long-term skin damage, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, where the index peaks at 10. As Locarno experiences a Dfc climate, temperature variations throughout the year can influence sun exposure, making it vital to monitor UV levels regularly. Stay informed to protect your skin and make the most of your time under the Locarno sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily throughout the morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge occurs between 10:00 and 14:00, when it peaks at a remarkable 10. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After 14:00, the intensity begins to wane, dipping to 8 at 15:00 and gradually decreasing to 3 by 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls back to a safe 1 by 19:00, reminding us of the importance of sun protection during those peak hours. Stay vigilant and protect yourself when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 |
| Locarno | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |