Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Pontacq, France, where sun exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. The UV Index not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. In this climate zone (Cfb), typical UV levels can peak dramatically, especially from 12 PM to 3 PM, with values reaching as high as 10. This highlights the importance of being aware of daily UV exposure risks to ensure you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a gentle start to the day. By 9:00 AM, it increases to a moderate 2, signaling a gradual build-up of UV radiation. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with an 8, and continues to soar, hitting a maximum of 10 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index starts to decline, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 6 at 5:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index decreases to a benign 2 by 7:00 PM, illustrating the day’s dynamic UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
| Pontacq | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |