Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ax-les-Thermes, France is crucial for both sun safety and skin health. With its Cfb climate, this charming alpine town experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, highlighting the need for awareness and protection against sunburn. As UV exposure peaks at a level of 11 around midday, it's essential to know how to shield your skin effectively to prevent long-term damage. Being informed about these levels not only helps you enjoy the beautiful outdoors but also safeguards your well-being during sunny adventures in the stunning landscapes of Ax-les-Thermes.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, showcasing a peak at 1 PM with a notable 11, indicating the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours see a mild index of 1 to 3 until 9 AM, making it relatively safe for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs, the index surges to 5 by 10 AM, before reaching intense levels of 7 at 11 AM. The midday sun intensifies, with values hitting 9 at 12 PM and maintaining 11 until 2 PM. Following this peak, a gradual decline occurs with the UV Index dropping to 8 at 4 PM, 6 at 5 PM, and finally tapering off to 2 by 7 PM. For safe sun enjoyment, 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant variability, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index reaches its peak at 11 in June and July, indicating an extreme risk for UV exposure where the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes. To ensure safety, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during the peak hours of sunlight, especially in these high-risk months. March and October mark transitional months with high levels of UV exposure as well, while winter months like January and December see much lower UV levels, allowing for longer safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes. Overall, awareness of these seasonal changes is essential for effective sun protection.
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 |
| Ax-les-Thermes | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |