Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning alpine village of Verbier, Switzerland, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for both locals and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels helps protect your skin from harmful rays, preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a high-altitude climate that exposes you to stronger sunlight, Verbier showcases maximum UV Index values that can reach 11 during midday. This means taking proper precautions is vital, especially for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply basking in the sun. Being UV aware not only promotes skin health but enhances your overall outdoor experience in this breathtaking mountain paradise!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable trend, starting at a calm 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to its peak of 11 during the peak afternoon hours of 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation increases, reaching a sharp rise to 10 by noon, signaling caution for outdoor activities. After the early afternoon, the index begins to decline, drifting down to 5 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly during the mid-day hours when UV exposure is at its strongest. Remember to wear protective clothing and sunscreen when the UV Index rises!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, 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 |
| Verbier | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |