UV protection is important – also in spring

Meadow with crocuses (generated with AI) Source: Maryna/Stock.adobe.com

The sun's rays are once again becoming stronger and enticing people to spend time outdoors. With the start of spring, it's time to think more about UV protection. "Many people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of UV protection", says Inge Paulini, President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). "But not everyone realises that you should be careful on sunny spring days as well". The UV index is a useful guide for determining when sun exposure becomes excessive. It is a measure of UV radiation that can be found in many weather apps and on the BfS website. "From a value of 3, you should protect your skin and eyes", says Paulini.

Seek shade during periods of intense sunlight – not just in summer

BfS President Dr Inge Paulini Source: Holger Kohl/ Bildkraftwerk

As early as March, UV index values of 3 can be reached in Germany. Even values of 4 can be reached in southern federal states such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. This is shown by the data from the solar UV measuring network, which the BfS operates together with other organisations. UV radiation can damage both the skin and the eyes and is the main cause of skin cancer.

According to a survey conducted by the BfS in 2024, more people than ever are seeking shelter in the shade in summer. "The most important thing is to avoid intense sunlight as much as possible. The second is to cover your skin. We recommend wearing long sleeves, long trousers, a hat, and sunglasses. The third is to apply sunscreen to exposed skin", says Paulini. "Even though most people use it only in summer, it is important in spring as well." For meteorologists, spring begins on 1 March; in calendar terms, it starts on 20 March.

The BfS has compared the strength of UV radiation over decades and measured the increase

In a study led by the BfS, experts have measured an increase in UV radiation in parts of Central Europe over the past decades. The authors believe that the increase in UV radiation on the ground is due mainly to the decrease in cloud cover in Central Europe. This change, potentially caused by climate change, leads to more hours of sunshine – and thus to more time in which UV radiation from the sun can reach the earth and our skin.

Stay up-to-date with UV information and forecasts via email and on line

UV index over the course of the day: above 3 – even in spring

The BfS provides information on the current UV situation in Germany at www.bfs.de/uv-aktuell. UV index values for more than 40 locations are available there. These are determined from sunrise to sunset. The data are displayed as a daily curve of the UV index.

From April onwards, the BfS will be issuing UV forecasts on the expected maximum values every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in a UV newsletter (www.bfs.de/uv-newsletter). The email contains a three-day forecast for 10 forecast areas. The BfS provides further information on UV radiation and how you can protect yourself from it at: www.bfs.de/uv-schutz.