Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Lens, Switzerland, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, particularly in this high-altitude climate where sunlight is more intense. With a typical UV index peaking at 10 during midday, it's essential for residents and visitors to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoor beauty of Lens while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, hinting at the day ahead. As we approach mid-morning, the intensity climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM and then dramatically spikes to 5 at 10:00 AM. The real peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the index soars to a whopping 10, indicating strong sun exposure. This midday intensity begins to taper off by 3:00 PM, as it drops to 9, and continues to slide through the late afternoon, ending the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. During this period, UV Index values peak, reaching 11 in June, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The very high category, with indices of 8 to 10, persists from April through July, signaling a critical need for skin protection. Conversely, the lower risk months of November and December present a notable decline in UV exposure, dropping to an index of 3 and 2, respectively, where burn times increase to 30 and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during the spring and summer months, employing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to shield themselves from harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Lens | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |