UV Index in Paris, France

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In the heart of Paris, France, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and enhancing your overall health. With UV levels peaking between midday and early afternoon, even a brief exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Paris enjoys a temperate climate, but its sunny days can mask the intensity of UV rays, making awareness essential. Whether you're exploring iconic landmarks or enjoying a picnic in one of the city's beautiful parks, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the Parisian sun.

Hourly UV Index in Paris

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and remaining low until 09:00, when it climbs to 2. The midday sun showcases its strength, peaking at 12:00 with an impressive 7. By 13:00 and 14:00, the index reaches its zenith at 8, signaling a time for caution and protection against harmful rays. Thankfully, the intensity starts to wane after 15:00, dropping to 7, and continuing its descent to 4 at 17:00. As the day draws to a close, the index falls back to a safer 1 by 19:00, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's power and the importance of sun safety to enjoy the outdoors wisely.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	7	high	25 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Paris

Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May to August, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 9 in June and remains at 8 during July and August, indicating a very high exposure category and a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, winter months see much lower UV levels, with January and November registering a UV Index of 2 and December dropping to 1, categorized as low exposure. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months by minimizing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, particularly between late spring and early fall when UV radiation is at its strongest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Paris, France

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Paris. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Paris, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Paris UV Index with Other France Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Paris compares to other major locations across France. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Paris's solar exposure compared to other cities in France. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Paris	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