Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cestas, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking during the day, understanding these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Cestas experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), which means it's essential to stay vigilant about UV exposure risks, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when indices can soar to 9. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful French sun while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun graces the day, the UV Index begins its climb. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it remains low until 09:00, reaching 2. By 10:00, the intensity ramps up to 3, but the real heat arrives around 12:00, when it peaks at a soaring 7. The afternoon brings the highest levels, with the index hitting 9 at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00, indicating a serious need for sun protection. As the day rolls on, the UV levels gradually dip, falling to 5 by 17:00 and continuing to decline until settling at 2 by 19:00. Plan accordingly to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, affecting both residents and visitors throughout the year. January and December experience the lowest UV levels, categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. From February, the UV index starts to rise, entering the moderate exposure category, and peaks during the late spring and summer months—May to August—when it reaches very high levels (8 to 10), resulting in a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. The highest risk months for UV exposure are June and July, where precautions are essential. As the fall months approach, the UV levels decrease, returning to moderate assessments by October through November. To minimize the risk of UV-related health issues, visitors and residents should take savvy precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Cestas | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |