Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index in Ainhoa, France is essential for protecting your skin and overall health while enjoying the sun-drenched beauty of this charming Basque village. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both residents and visitors. With Ainhoa's temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), the UV exposure can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, peaking around midday, where values can soar to 10—a level that necessitates caution. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while soaking up the sun’s rays.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting off mild in the early morning with a maximum of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM. As the day unfolds, we see a steady climb, peaking at an intense 10 around 2:00 PM, making it crucial for sun safety during those heated hours. The afternoon heat gradually subsides, with the index decrementing to 9 at 3:00 PM and then tapering off to a more manageable 4 by 6:00 PM. This trend indicates the importance of protective measures from midday to early afternoon, while later hours offer a gentler UV exposure. Remember to stay safe and shield your skin when the sun is at its highest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant fluctuations in the UV Index. The months of May through August are particularly high-risk, with UV Index values reaching a peak of 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV exposure is strongest. March and April also show increased risk with UV Index values of 6 and 7 respectively. Conversely, January and December present lower risk levels, with UV Index values of 2 indicating low exposure and longer potential burn times of 45 minutes. It is essential to monitor UV levels year-round and adjust sun protection strategies accordingly to ensure safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ainhoa | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |