Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the picturesque village of Salvan, Switzerland, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, especially as the sun can be deceptively strong. Salvan's unique climate, categorized as ET (tundra), offers beautiful alpine vistas but also comes with specific UV exposure risks, particularly around midday when the UV Index peaks at 10. Staying informed about these levels can help ensure you enjoy the stunning outdoors safely while protecting your skin.
The UV Index demonstrates a notable progression throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing to reach its peak of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the radiation intensifies, signaling the need for sun protection. From 11:00, the index rises sharply, hitting 8 at 11:00 and peaking at 9 by 12:00. As the afternoon rolls in, values maintain a high level before gradually declining, dropping to 7 at 16:00 and falling to 1 again by 19:00. This dynamic fluctuation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your skin during the hours of peak sun exposure!
| 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 | 5 | 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 varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains relatively moderate, with a value of 3-4 and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching high levels of 7 and subsequently peaking at 10 in June and July, marking the months of highest risk. April to August features very high UV Index ratings (8-10), with a critical burn time of only 15 minutes, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months. With a decline in UV exposure in September (7) and further into the fall and winter months, the UV Index drops to moderate (5) in October and then to low (2) by December, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Overall, it is crucial to be vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, to ensure skin protection against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Salvan | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |