Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Apples, Switzerland, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfb climate characterized by warm summers, residents and visitors must be aware of varying UV levels throughout the day. At peak hours, from 12 PM to 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to 10, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping a close eye on these UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Swiss outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin from potential damage.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index rises dramatically throughout the day. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it ramps up to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The peak unfolds between 12:00 and 14:00, with a maximum of 10, signaling a high risk for unprotected skin. After this peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 17:00 and then to a softer 1 by the evening at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it's crucial to be mindful of the midday sun's intensity and take appropriate precautions during those peak UV 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 | 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 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, affecting both residents and visitors throughout the year. January and December experience the lowest UV levels, categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. From February, the UV index starts to rise, entering the moderate exposure category, and peaks during the late spring and summer months—May to August—when it reaches very high levels (8 to 10), resulting in a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. The highest risk months for UV exposure are June and July, where precautions are essential. As the fall months approach, the UV levels decrease, returning to moderate assessments by October through November. To minimize the risk of UV-related health issues, visitors and residents should take savvy precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Apples | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |