Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for those living in or visiting Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, France, where the Mediterranean climate brings sunny days and a higher risk of UV exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially given the region's peak UV index of 9 around midday, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With warm summers and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of their sun safety practices to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising their health.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually rising through the morning. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 2, but the real surge happens as the sun climbs higher. At 11:00 AM, the index hits 6, signaling a greater need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 1:00 PM with an intense 9, maintaining that level until 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips to 8 at 3:00 PM and then gradually decreases to 3 by 6:00 PM, marking a retreat as evening approaches. With sundown, UV intensity drops back to a low 1 by 7:00 PM, highlighting a day of fluctuating sunshine that necessitates vigilant sun safety 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | 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 exposure varies significantly, with notable peaks between March and October. The high-risk months are April to August, where the UV Index consistently reaches very high levels of 8 to 10 and the burn time reduces to just 15 minutes. In contrast, the low-risk months of November and December see UV Index values fall to 3 and 2, respectively, allowing for safe exposure times of up to 30 and 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the increased risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |