Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, France, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's alpine climate presenting unique UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours, staying informed about UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index here can soar to 10 around midday, making awareness essential for both residents and visitors seeking to enjoy outdoor activities in this picturesque mountain setting. By prioritizing sun safety, you can make the most of Saint-Bon-Tarentaise’s stunning landscapes while protecting your skin.
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 |
| Saint-Bon-Tarentaise | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |