Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Palau-de-Cerdagne, France, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin while enjoying the beauty of the French Pyrenees. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a Cfb climate that brings sunny days and varying UV exposure—reaching a peak of 11 around midday—residents and visitors alike must take precautions to minimize health risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can fully embrace the outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
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 fluctuate significantly, creating varying exposure risks for individuals. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, with the highest readings occurring in June and July, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 11, classified as extreme. During these months, the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. March marks the transition to higher UV levels, with an index of 6, while September and October drop back to high and moderate levels, respectively. Ultimately, staying informed about UV levels can help safeguard health year-round.
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 |
| Palau-de-Cerdagne | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |