Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Le Boulou, France, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for sun safety and skin health. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index soars to 10 around noon. This picturesque town, nestled in a Cfb climate zone, enjoys warm summers that can pose significant UV exposure risks. By monitoring the UV Index daily, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and protect your skin while soaking in the beauty of Le Boulou.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, by 09:00, intensity picks up to 3, and a notable climb ensues as the morning progresses. At 10:00, it reaches 4, and by 11:00, the UV Index skyrockets to 7, signaling the need for sun protection. Midday brings the peak hours—by 12:00 and 13:00, it hits a sizzling 9 and a maximum of 10, posing a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day winds down, the UV Index begins to gracefully decline: 9 at 15:00, followed by 7 at 16:00, 5 at 17:00, and finally settling at 3 by 18:00. The sun's fading rays continue to cast a softer light until it drops to 2 by 19:00, wrapping up a day where awareness of UV exposure was key to safe enjoyment of the outdoors.
| 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 | 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 |
During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring between April and August, when the UV Index reaches its peak at 9 to 10, corresponding to a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. May, June, and July are particularly critical, urging both visitors and residents to take extra precautions during outdoor activities. In contrast, January through March and November to December present moderate to low UV Index levels, giving individuals longer burn times before requiring sun protection. To minimize skin damage, it's advisable to wear sunblock, protective clothing, and hats during high UV Index periods, especially in the summer months.
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 |
| Le Boulou | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |