Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Les Mathes, France, where the sun's rays can be both inviting and potentially harmful. The UV Index provides a measure of ultraviolet radiation levels, emphasizing the importance of sun protection to prevent sunburn and maintain healthy skin. With Les Mathes experiencing a temperate oceanic climate, the UV exposure can be particularly high, peaking at 8 during midday hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make safer choices and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer while protecting your skin.
The UV Index for today showcases a fascinating journey through the hours, starting from a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, making it an ideal time for early risers to enjoy the outdoors with minimal sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges to 3 by 10:00 AM, signaling the onset of mid-morning sunlight. A significant peak arrives at 12:00 PM, with a UV Index reaching 7, and then it hits its zenith at 1:00 PM with a strong 8—a crucial reminder to slip on that sunscreen! The afternoon maintains this intensity until 3:00 PM, where it stabilizes at 8, before gradually tapering off to 6 at 4:00 PM and declining to 2 by 7:00 PM. Stay smart and shielded during those 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are typically from April to August, when the UV Index reaches 7 to 9, correlating to high to very high exposure categories, with a notably short burn time of just 15 minutes during May through July. Conversely, the UV Index dips during January, November, and December, falling into the low to moderate exposure categories, allowing for longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. To protect yourself from UV damage, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, especially during the peak summer months. This includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly when outdoors.
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 |
| Les Mathes | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 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 |