Last updated: May 3, 2025
When enjoying the stunning alpine landscapes of Tignes, France, being mindful of the UV Index is essential for your health and well-being. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. With Tignes' alpine climate, the sun’s rays can be particularly intense, especially during midday hours when UV exposure peaks at a maximal index of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting your skin.
The UV Index for today presents a clear picture of sunshine intensity hours. Starting off at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, the index begins to rise steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 5, but the real peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it hits a soaring 10—a sign to seek shade and wear protection! As afternoon transitions to evening, the index gracefully descends, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and settling at a soft 1 by 7:00 PM, making for a comfortable end to the day. Stay safe and enjoy your sunlit hours while keeping an eye on that UV Index!
| 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 | 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, 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 |
| Tignes | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |