Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Ouessant, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for everyone, especially during peak sunny hours. With Ouessant's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers and significant sunshine, the UV exposure can reach critical levels, peaking at 9 around 2 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index throughout the day, you can enjoy the island's natural beauty while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00, the index slowly increases to reach 2 by 09:00. As we approach midday, the sun's rays become more potent, peaking at an impressive 9 at 14:00—the perfect time for sun safety awareness. Post-peak, the UV levels gradually taper off, returning to 4 by 18:00 and dipping to 2 at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially around noon when the UVI hits 6 and above. Be sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, with distinct high-risk months emerging in the summer. From May to August, the UV Index is categorized as very high (ranging from 8 to 9), indicating that visitors and residents should exercise heightened caution, as the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. April sees a transition to a high exposure category, while March starts in a moderate range. Conversely, the winter months, including January, November, and December, have a low UV Index (2), granting longer burn times of 45 minutes. To safeguard against skin damage, it's imperative for everyone to wear protective clothing, seek shade, and apply sunscreen during peak UV times, especially from late spring to the end of summer.
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 |
| Ouessant | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |