Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cologne, France is essential for anyone who wants to protect their skin from harmful sun exposure. With sunlight levels peaking during the day—reaching an index of 9 at 2 PM—awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. In Cologne's temperate climate, visitors and residents alike should be mindful of these risks, especially during the warmer months when UV radiation can intensify. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin’s health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, by 9:00 AM, it escalates to 2, nudging us to be more cautious. The afternoon hours bring a notable increase, with the index reaching 4 at 10:00 AM, advancing to 5 by 11:00 AM. The real intensity hits around 12:00 PM, soaring to 7, followed by an impressive peak of 9 at 2:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then easing to 7, 5, 3, and finally settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder of the sun’s potency, especially during midday, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during 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 | 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, 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 |
| Cologne | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |