Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Vannes, France, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, making it essential to monitor daily fluctuations. The charming coastal climate of Vannes, characterized by a cool temperate oceanic zone (Cfb), still poses UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when levels can soar to 8 or 9. Stay informed and protect yourself to enjoy the beautiful French sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, remaining low until 09:00 when it climbs to 2. By 10:00, with the sun reaching its peak, the index escalates to 3, but the real intensity hits by 12:00, soaring to 7. The peak occurs at 14:00, where the UV Index peaks at an impressive 9, signaling a high need for sun protection. Even as the afternoon wanes, levels stay elevated, measuring 8 at 15:00 and gradually decreasing to 5 by 17:00. As the day draws to a close, the UV Index drops to 2 by 19:00, making way for a cooler evening. It's crucial to stay vigilant throughout the day, especially during those mid-afternoon hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | 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 |
| Vannes | 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 |