Many people think that the sun is "less intense" in winter than in the summer months. But even when temperatures are low and the sun isn't as hot, UV radiation persists, and this also causes UV damage to the skin in winter. In this article, we clarify: what exactly does the UV index mean, and at what UV intensity should you protect yourself from the sun even in winter?
What is the UV Index?
The UV Index (UVI) is an internationally standardized scale that indicates the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at a specific location and at a specific time of day and year. It helps you assess the risk of sunburn. The UV scale typically ranges from 0 (very low) to 11+ (extremely high). The higher the value, the stronger the UV radiation and the more important it is to take protective measures.
How do I know what the UV Index is?
You can easily find out the current UV Index for your location. There are numerous weather apps that provide the daily UV Index. Alternatively, you can check the official website of the German Weather Service (DWD) or the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) for daily updates.
UV Index – when should I protect my skin?
Generally, as soon as the UV Index is 3 or higher, you should protect your skin from the sun's rays – regardless of the season. You can use the following table as a guide:
|
UV Index |
UV Exposure |
Sun Protection Measures |
|
0-2 |
low |
Little to no protective measures required |
|
3-5 |
moderate |
Protection like sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended |
|
6-7 |
high |
Protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade are advisable |
|
8-10 |
very high |
Intense sun protection, protective clothing are necessary, also avoid intense midday sun, seek shade, and don't forget headwear |
|
11+ |
extreme |
Avoid sun exposure as much as possible |
UV Radiation and UV Index in Winter - The Sun's Power
The UV Index can reach high values even in winter, depending on the region, weather conditions, and altitude. Particular caution is therefore also necessary when hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports activities. In the mountains, UV intensity increases by about 10-15% per 1,000 meters of altitude. In addition, reflective snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, thereby intensifying their effect. Therefore, sunscreen with a high SPF is particularly important, even if it is cloudy.
Fancy more reading material? Find out here which SPF is best suited for winter, what to look for when choosing your sunscreen, and why you should always prefer a combination of sun protection and cold protection in winter!
O U R E X P E R T
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of 3
SOURCES:
Federal Office for Radiation Protection: What is the UV Index, 2022, available at https://www.bfs.de/DE/themen/opt/uv/uv-index/einfuehrung/einfuehrung_node.html
