Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Catenay, France, where the climate is characterized by temperate weather patterns. As the sun's rays can vary significantly throughout the day, being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV exposure occurring during midday—reaching levels of 7 and 8—it's important to take necessary precautions. Catenay's climate can lead to increased sun exposure, making it vital to stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy outdoor activities safely while protecting your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting off low at 1 at 07:00 and remaining steady through 08:00. By 09:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual intensification. The index reaches a noticeable 4 at 10:00, but it isn't until noon that it peaks at a striking 7. Both 12:00 and 13:00 maintain this high level, emphasizing the need for sun protection. The highest reading of the day occurs at 14:00, hitting 8, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, tapering to 6 by 16:00, then 4 at 17:00, and finally resting at 2 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of being mindful of sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 2 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catenay | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 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 |