Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Porto-Vecchio, France, where the Mediterranean climate brings ample sunshine throughout the year. Monitoring UV levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, helping you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 9 around midday, it's important to take precautions during the hottest hours. As you explore Porto-Vecchio's stunning beaches and scenic landscapes, staying informed about the UV Index ensures you protect your skin from potential damage while soaking up the sun's warmth.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a notable rise, reaching its peak at 1 PM with a staggering value of 9. The morning hours start off gently, with values of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, slowly increasing to 3 by 9 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity spikes to 6 at 11 AM and escalates to 8 at noon, before hitting the afternoon high of 9 from 1 PM to 2 PM. Post-peak, the index starts to decline, dropping to 7 by 3 PM, then tapering off to 6 at 4 PM, 4 at 5 PM, and finally returning to 1 by 7 PM. It's a reminder to take care during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 affecting the risk of sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains moderate (3 to 5) with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, in April, the UV Index rises to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk sun exposure. The peak months for UV exposure are May through August, where the index reaches 9 to 10, corresponding with very high exposure levels and reduced burn time to just 15 minutes. September and October see a decrease to a high category (7 and 6), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. As the year concludes in November and December, the index drops back to moderate and low (4 and 2), increasing the burn time to 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months from April to August by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Porto-Vecchio | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |