Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the stunning Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. As you explore this breathtaking alpine region, having awareness of the UV levels can help you enjoy the outdoors without compromising your well-being. With its Dfc climate characterized by cool summers and significant sun exposure, Chamonix can present unique UV risks, especially during peak hours when the index soars to 9. Stay informed and take effective precautions to protect your skin, ensuring that your adventures in these majestic mountains leave you with memories, not sunburns.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains relatively moderate, with a value of 3-4 and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching high levels of 7 and subsequently peaking at 10 in June and July, marking the months of highest risk. April to August features very high UV Index ratings (8-10), with a critical burn time of only 15 minutes, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months. With a decline in UV exposure in September (7) and further into the fall and winter months, the UV Index drops to moderate (5) in October and then to low (2) by December, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Overall, it is crucial to be vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, to ensure skin protection against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Lyon UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Nice UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Marseille UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |