Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, especially during the sunnier months when UV levels can peak at a staggering 8 around midday. Understanding these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, as even short exposures can lead to negative effects over time. Situated in a Dfc climate zone, Riva San Vitale experiences its share of sun exposure, making it imperative to monitor UV levels to protect yourself. With varying UV intensity throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or slather on sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying your time under the sun safely.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a fascinating pattern of sun intensity. Early risers will notice a gentle start at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the index hits 6 at 11:00 AM, escalating to an impressive 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM—the height of solar exposure. After this, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM, and further decreasing to moderate numbers of 5, 3, and 2 as the sun sets, concluding the day with a calm 1 at 7:00 PM. Remember, during the peak hours, sun safety is crucial!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The winter months of January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for a burn time of up to 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February rises to a moderate level (Index 3), with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months commence in March and continue through August, peaking at 9 in June and July; during this period, exposure is categorized as very high and burn times drop to just 15 minutes. Following the mid-summer, September marks a decrease to a high category (Index 7), while October and November revert to moderate levels. As you plan outdoor activities, it is crucial to remain vigilant during the high-risk months (March to August); practice sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Riva San Vitale | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Lausanne UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |