What is the UV Index?
The UV Index (UVI) is a measure of the current intensity of UVB radiation in a certain location. The higher the current UV Index reading, the higher the radiation levels, and the more likely you are to get a sunburn. You can find current UV Index forecasts for Germany on the website of the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
UV Index (UVI) | UV intensity |
---|---|
0 to 2 | Low |
3 to 5 | Moderate |
6 to 7 | High |
8 to 10 | Very high |
11 | Extremely high |
The higher the UV Index, the more protection you will need. UV radiation is particularly high in mountainous regions, at the equator and in regions where the ozone layer is thin, such as in Australia. In most places, UVB radiation is at its strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. because the sun is high in the sky then. UVB exposure is also more of a problem in the summer than in the winter. Thick clouds can reduce UV radiation, but thin clouds don't provide much protection.