Last updated: June 2, 2025
Living in Portvendres, France, means basking in the beauty of a Mediterranean climate, but it also comes with an important responsibility: being aware of the UV Index. Understanding UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin, especially as midday readings soar to a striking 10—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With typical UV exposure presenting risks, particularly during the sunniest hours between 11 AM and 3 PM, staying informed about local UV conditions can help you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin’s health.
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 |
| Portvendres | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |