Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Erstfeld, Switzerland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health against harmful radiation. With a climate categorized as ET, residents and visitors face varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a UV Index of 9 around 1 PM. This knowledge is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health; even a moderate exposure can lead to long-term damage. By staying informed about the daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful Swiss outdoors while safeguarding your skin against sun-related risks.
The UV Index on this particular day begins its ascent at 07:00 with a moderate level of 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 at 09:00 and soaring to a striking 5 by 10:00. The day’s intensity peaks at 12:00, with the UV Index at a sizzling 8. Just an hour later, it reaches its maximum of 9 at 13:00, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. Thankfully, the intensity starts to wane after this peak, coming down to 8 at 14:00, and then gradually decreasing to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dips back to 2 at 18:00 and finally settles at 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a day filled with varying levels of UV exposure. Be sure to take precautions during those midday hours to shield yourself from the sun’s rays!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting fluctuations in UV radiation exposure throughout the year. The highest risk months generally occur from April to August, where the UV Index reaches peak levels of 8 to 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. In contrast, January and December are safer months with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes. However, even during moderate months like February, October, and November, UV precautions remain important, as burn times drop to 30 minutes. Staying informed and protecting your skin year-round is essential for health and safety.
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 |
| Erstfeld | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |