Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Unterschachen, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. Located in a borderline tundra climate, Unterschachen experiences varying UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours from 11 AM to 3 PM, when UV levels can soar to 10. Being informed about these fluctuations allows residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions and fully enjoy the stunning alpine landscape without compromising their well-being.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it steadily ascends, reaching 2 by 08:00 and escalating to 3 by 09:00. The peak of the day arrives at noon with a striking 9, just before it hits its maximum of 10 from 13:00 to 14:00, signifying a need for sun protection. The intensity begins to taper off after that, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then descending through 7 at 16:00, and winding down to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 3 by 18:00 and finally returns to 1 by 19:00, illustrating the clear and powerful influence of the sun throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |
| Unterschachen | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |