Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Portbail, France, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health under the sun's powerful rays. With a climate characterized as Cfb, featuring mild summers and cloudy days, one might underestimate the UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours. The UV Index can rise to as high as 9 in the afternoon, increasing the likelihood of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while taking necessary precautions to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, by 9:00 AM, it escalates to 2, nudging us to be more cautious. The afternoon hours bring a notable increase, with the index reaching 4 at 10:00 AM, advancing to 5 by 11:00 AM. The real intensity hits around 12:00 PM, soaring to 7, followed by an impressive peak of 9 at 2:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then easing to 7, 5, 3, and finally settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder of the sun’s potency, especially during midday, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during 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 | 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 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which plays a crucial role in understanding sun exposure risks. The highest risk months for UV exposure occur from April to August, particularly peaking in June with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months, adopting protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak hours. The UV Index drops significantly in January, November, and December, with low exposure categories, easing sun protection needs during these winter months. However, it’s important to remain aware and prepared for UV fluctuations throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portbail | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 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 |