Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sotta, France, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As the sun rises high in the sky, especially during the summer months, UV levels can surge, posing risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Mediterranean climate that brings warm, sunny days, Sotta residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV exposure. From a maximum index of 9 around midday, the potential for harm increases significantly. By staying informed about the daily UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days while protecting your skin effectively.
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 |
| Sotta | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |