Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Saint-Gilles, France, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburn but also plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. Nestled in a temperate climate zone (Cfb), Saint-Gilles experiences variable UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a significant UV Index of 9 from 14:00 to 15:00. As the sun shines brighter during these hours, being informed and taking action can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Gilles | 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 |