Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning coastal town of Porto-Vecchio, France, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With powerful UV rays peaking between the hours of 11 AM and 3 PM, understanding these levels can mean the difference between enjoying the sun and suffering from sunburn. This beautiful region, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, but also presents risks for overexposure. Keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure your time in the sun remains safe and enjoyable, preserving your skin’s health for many summers to come!
The UV index begins its ascent at 07:00, starting at a gentle 1, then climbs gradually through the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but from 11:00 onwards, the sun's intensity becomes pronounced, peaking at an impressive 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. After this zenith, the index dips to 8 at 15:00 and continues its decline, settling back to 2 by 18:00. As the day winds down into the evening, the UV index drops to a low 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer sun exposure levels. Enjoy the sunshine while staying protected during the high points!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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, 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 |