Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cherbourg-Octeville, France is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a Cfb climate that features mild summers, UV levels can peak during the midday hours, reaching values as high as 8—a level where unprotected skin can burn within 15-30 minutes. By staying informed about UV exposure, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of the UV Index not only promotes skin health but also empowers individuals to enjoy outdoor activities safely, particularly during those sun-drenched afternoons.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, suggesting minimal sun protection is needed. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually increases, reaching 3 by 10:00 AM. The peak occurs during the afternoon, with the UV Index soaring to 8 at 1:00 PM, remaining steady until 3:00 PM. This level signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing. As the sun begins to set, the index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 6:00 PM and further as twilight approaches. Enjoy the sun, but stay sun-safe during those highest 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through August, with the index peaking at a very high level of 9 in June. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases to as low as 15 minutes, necessitating caution. In contrast, January, November, and December experience lower UV levels, categorized as low with burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially in the peak summer months. Stay informed and proactive to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherbourg-Octeville | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |