Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. High UV levels can lead not only to painful sunburns but also long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential for both locals and visitors. Nestled in a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), Saint-Valery-sur-Somme experiences notable UV exposure, especially during midday hours, with peaks reaching a UV Index of 7. By familiarizing yourself with these UV levels, you can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery while safeguarding your skin against sun damage.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index begins to surge, peaking at 7 between 13:00 and 15:00. Starting the day at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 6 by 12:00 and reaching its zenith at 13:00. For those venturing outdoors, this is the time to take precautions, as exposure levels can lead to skin damage. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping back to 5 at 16:00 and tapering down to 1 by sunset at 19:00. It’s essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Valery-sur-Somme | 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 |