Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Prades, France, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can reach as high as 9. Prades, characterized by its Cfb climate, experiences significant UV exposure risks, particularly in the summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index today paints a striking picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off gentle at 1 during the early hours, the solar rays heighten sharply as the sun climbs higher, peaking at a robust 9 from 13:00 to 15:00. This is the time to embrace sun safety, as exposure can be harmful. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, returning to a more manageable 3 by 18:00 and down to 1 by nightfall. With these fluctuations, be sure to protect your skin when the sun is at its strongest, especially during the midday 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Prades | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |