Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning alpine landscape of Montana, Switzerland, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation, with levels peaking from late morning to early afternoon, particularly dangerous when they reach 8 or higher. Understanding these UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to plan outdoor activities safely, especially in Montana’s ET climate characterized by clear skies and intense sun exposure. As you enjoy the breathtaking scenery, remember that knowledge of UV risks is your best defense against harmful effects on your skin.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise as the morning unfolds, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, and by 09:00, it reaches 3. The mid-morning reveals a surge, peaking at 5 by 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI soars to a staggering 10 at noon, with a climb to 11 at 13:00, marking the highest point of the day. Just after, it gradually dips, but remains considerable at 10 by 14:00 and 9 at 15:00. The afternoon sees a striking decrease to 7 at 16:00 and continues to fall, landing at 3 by 18:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| Montana | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |