Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Carcassonne, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. With its Cfb climate, Carcassonne experiences varied sunlight throughout the year, but during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, UV levels can soar to a significant 10—a level that warrants caution. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals and visitors can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sunny weather while safeguarding their skin health.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking at a dramatic 10 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a clear indication that sun protection is crucial during these hours. Starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 4 by 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, it escalates to 7, and just before noon, it hits 9, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take cover or apply sunscreen. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values tapering to 5 by 5:00 PM and further down to 2 as the sun sets. This dynamic pattern highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 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, 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 |
| Carcassonne | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |