Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Saint-Martin-de-Valamas, France, where the serene climate can lead to unexpected sun exposure risks. With UV levels reaching as high as 8 during peak hours, awareness is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. This charming locale, characterized by its temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), may offer mild weather, but the intensity of the sun from late morning to early afternoon can pose significant risks to unwary sunbathers. Stay informed and protect yourself from harmful UV rays to enjoy all that Saint-Martin-de-Valamas has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. Starting the day gently at 1 during the early hours, the sun escalates its radiance by 09:00, reaching 2. As the morning blossoms into midday, we see a noticeable rise, peaking at 8 between 13:00 and 14:00—perfect for those seeking the sun's warmth. However, as the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to retreat, dropping back to 4 by 17:00, and finally mellowing out to 1 by 19:00. It's a reminder to embrace sun safety during the peak hours of 11:00 to 14:00, where protection is vital! ☀️
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. January and December have low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for a safer outdoor experience with burn times of 45 minutes. However, as spring progresses into summer, the levels rise sharply, particularly from May to August, where the index reaches very high levels of 8-10 and burn times drop to just 15 minutes. March and April also present high UV risks with indices of 6 and 7, respectively. The high-risk months where caution is crucial are from May through August. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage. As the season transitions into fall, UV levels decrease, allowing for longer burn times again in September and October.
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 |
| Saint-Martin-de-Valamas | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 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 |