Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Etaples, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers and frequent sunshine, understanding UV levels can empower residents and visitors alike to protect themselves from harmful sun exposure. During peak hours, especially around 12 PM to 3 PM, the UV Index can reach dangerous levels of 8, making it essential to take precautions. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against the risks associated with overexposure to UV radiation.
As the day begins, the UV Index stays low, peaking at 1 during the early hours from 07:00 to 08:00. However, as the sun rises higher, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation climbs sharply. By 10:00, it reaches 4, and by midday, it escalates to an impressive 7. The afternoon is marked by the highest levels between 13:00 and 15:00, where the UV Index soars to 8—a potent reminder of the sun's power. As the sun begins to dip, the UV levels gradually decline, settling at 5 by 17:00 and tapering off to 2 by 19:00. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 15:00, 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels in our region, significantly impacting sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January through February, the UV Index remains low (2), allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes without increased risk. As we transition into March, the index rises to a moderate level of 4, where exposure should be limited to 30 minutes. April and May see higher UV levels of 6 and 7, respectively, categorized as high, which shortens safe exposure to just 25 minutes. The peak UV period occurs from June to August, with indices reaching a very high range of 8 to 9, necessitating caution as burn times diminish to 15 minutes. In September and October, the UV index falls back to moderate levels (4 to 5), extending burn times to 30 minutes once more. Finally, November and December return to low UV levels (2 and 1), with safe exposure times back to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV-related skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etaples | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |