Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sauternes, France, is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at a notable 9 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is critical for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Given Sauternes' temperate climate, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of their sun exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. With informed precautions, you can enjoy the stunning vineyards and warm sunshine while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting the day at a safe 1 from 07:00 to 09:00. By 10:00, it reaches 3, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 14:00, clocking in at a robust 9—a time when sunscreen becomes essential! As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV levels gently decline, with the index dropping back to 2 by 19:00. Overall, it’s crucial to stay vigilant during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense. Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget that protection is key!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk typically occurring between April and August. In these months, the UV index reaches levels classified as high to very high, significantly reducing the recommended burn time to just 15 minutes in May, June, and July. Particularly, May (UV Index 8) and June (UV Index 10) pose the highest risk for sunburn. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present a low risk for UV exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As such, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take appropriate precautions, especially during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Sauternes | 2 | 3 | 5 | 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 |