Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sotteville-sous-le-Val, France, as it plays a key role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the climate characterized as Cfb, offering moderate sun exposure, it's vital to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can reach as high as 8, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By grasping these levels and the importance of sun safety, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a mild 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it nudges up to 2, marking the beginning of greater awareness for sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00, with a robust 7, leading to 13:00 and 14:00, where it reaches an impressive 8—the prime time for outdoor activities. As the afternoon light begins to wane, the index dips to 6 by 16:00, and further declines to 4 at 17:00. The evening cools down with a UV Index of 2 by 19:00, reminding us that while sun exposure is crucial for a sunny day, vigilance is key as we enjoy the longer hours of daylight.
| 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 | 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 exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months of May through August when it reaches levels categorized as very high. May sees a UV Index of 8, progressing to 9 in both June and July, before slightly declining to 8 in August. These months are particularly high-risk, with significantly reduced burn times of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index decreases, dropping to 6 in September and moderating to 4 in October, where the burn time increases back to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to reduce the risk of sun damage, especially during midday hours when the UV radiation is strongest. In contrast, the winter months from November to February present lower UV levels, with January and December categorized as low, allowing for safer outdoor activities without extensive sun protection.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sotteville-sous-le-Val | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 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 |