Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of Orsieres, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and understanding these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Orsieres' cool Alpine climate and stunning mountain vistas, residents and visitors alike must be mindful of the occasional elevated UV exposure, especially during peak daylight hours between 12 PM and 2 PM, when the UV Index can reach a high of 10. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly while exploring this beautiful region!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches 5, signaling the time to lather on that sunscreen. The peak arrives between 13:00 and 14:00, hitting a maximum of 10, indicating that protective measures are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips slightly to 9 at 15:00, and continues to decline, reaching 3 by 18:00. By the time the sun sinks, the UV threat diminishes to 2 at 19:00, making it clear that midday sun worshippers should be particularly cautious, while evening strollers can enjoy the waning rays with less concern.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during late spring and summer months. March to August marks the high-risk period, where the UV Index reaches very high (8-10) and even extreme (11) levels in June, necessitating increased sun protection measures. For instance, during June, the burn time is only 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes in the cooler months of January and February. As summer closes, the UV risk diminishes, but September and October still carry a high index, emphasizing the need for caution. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety in March through August by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours. Meanwhile, during the cooler months, when UV levels drop, caution is still advisable, although the risk significantly lessens.
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 |
| Orsieres | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |