Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of Macot-la-Plagne, France, understanding the UV Index is crucial for enjoying the sun safely. As the region experiences a cool continental climate (Dfc), UV exposure can be surprisingly strong, especially during peak hours. The UV levels can soar to 10 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, posing a significant risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. By being vigilant about these UV readings, you can not only protect your skin health but also make the most of the beautiful alpine sunshine, ensuring that every moment spent outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches 5, signaling the time to lather on that sunscreen. The peak arrives between 13:00 and 14:00, hitting a maximum of 10, indicating that protective measures are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips slightly to 9 at 15:00, and continues to decline, reaching 3 by 18:00. By the time the sun sinks, the UV threat diminishes to 2 at 19:00, making it clear that midday sun worshippers should be particularly cautious, while evening strollers can enjoy the waning rays with less concern.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun exposure and risk of skin damage. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3 to 5), allowing for around 30 minutes of sun exposure without burning. However, from March to July, UV levels rise sharply, peaking in June at an extreme level of 11, translating to a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of March through August, when the UV Index ranges from 8 to 11, all classified as very high to extreme. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limit direct sun exposure during peak hours. As autumn rolls in, the UV Index begins to decline, with October presenting a high level (6) and burn time extending to 25 minutes, while November and December return to moderate and low levels (3 and 2) respectively.
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 |
| Macot-la-Plagne | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |