Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of Cauterets, France, understanding the UV Index is essential for both locals and visitors alike. With its Cfb climate, the region enjoys many sunny days, but higher UV levels can pose significant risks to your skin health, including sunburn and long-term damage. As the day progresses, UV exposure can peak dramatically; for instance, during midday hours, the UV Index can soar to a striking 10. Being aware of these levels is vital for effective sun protection, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while keeping their skin safe from harmful rays.
The hourly UV Index provides a fascinating insight into the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually rising, it reaches a significant 10 by 1:00 PM, indicating a peak of solar intensity that's perfect for taking appropriate sun safety measures. The UV Index remains equally high at 10 until 3:00 PM, suggesting that outdoor enthusiasts should be especially cautious during these hours. As the afternoon eases into evening, there's a noticeable decline, with the index dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during midday hours when the sun is at its most potent!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, 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 |
| Cauterets | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |