Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Saint-Max, France, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can help prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. The climate here, classified as Cfb, features warm summers and mild winters, leading to heightened UV exposure during the sunny months. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
A beautiful day unfolds as the UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning and peaks during the afternoon. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The intensity increases further, reaching a noticeable 5 at 10:00 and hitting a striking 6 at 11:00. Just after midday, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, signaling the importance of protective measures. As the sun starts to descend, values ease back to 8 at 15:00, before gradually dropping to 4 at 17:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. This progression emphasizes the need for awareness and protection from UV rays, especially during the midday heat.
| 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months identified primarily from April to August, where the index peaks at an alarming 9 in June. During these months, the exposure category escalates to very high, resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, November, and December have low UV levels, making sun protection less critical, with burn times extending to 45 minutes. As such, it’s essential for both visitors and residents to stay vigilant during the peak months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest.
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 |
| Saint-Max | 2 | 3 | 4 | 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 |