Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Val-d'Isère, France is essential for both residents and visitors alike, especially in a region renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes. The UV Index not only indicates the potential for sunburn but also plays a crucial role in promoting long-term skin health. With the climate zone classified as ET, Val-d'Isère experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours around midday, when levels can reach an intense 11. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful radiation while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, so does the UV Index, beginning modestly at 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, but it's by 10:00 that it really picks up pace, reaching a notable 6. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where the index hits a sizzling 10 and 11, signaling intense sun exposure. As the afternoon wears on, we see a slight decline: 15:00 drops to 10, followed by a decrease to 7 by 16:00, and then it gently tapers off to 5 at 17:00. The evening brings some relief, with the index falling to 3 by 18:00 and wrapping up the day at 2 by 19:00. It’s a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 |
| Val-d'Isere | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |