Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ajaccio, France, especially given the region's characteristic Mediterranean climate. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 3 PM, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. The city, known for its sunny days and beautiful beaches, also carries risks associated with prolonged exposure to UV radiation. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can better protect yourself and enjoy all that Ajaccio has to offer while safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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, which indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation and the potential for skin damage. From January to March, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (3-5), allowing for longer exposure times of about 30 minutes without significant risk of sunburn. However, as April approaches, the UV Index spikes to 8, categorized as very high, and this trend continues through the summer months of May and June, reaching a peak of 10 in July. These months represent the highest risk for sunburn, where just 15 minutes of exposure can lead to skin damage. As summer wanes into August and September, the UV Index begins to decrease but remains in the very high category, emphasizing the need for caution. By October, the risk diminishes to a high level (6), and the burn time increases to 25 minutes, transitioning into the cooler months of November and December, when the UV Index falls to 4 and 2 respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through September, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Ajaccio | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |