Last updated: August 1, 2025
In the picturesque village of Saint-Sardos, France, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate characterized by mild temperatures and sunny days, residents and visitors alike should be particularly mindful of UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 10. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful French countryside while safeguarding your skin health.
The UV Index today shows a striking rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually increases to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sunshine peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, reaching a robust 4, before soaring to its highest point of 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the index slightly dips but remains notable at 9 until 3:00 PM. The day transitions into the evening with values gently falling to 3 by 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that protecting your skin during the midday hours—especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—is essential for safety in the sun.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, impacting the risk of UV exposure for visitors and residents. January and December generally feature a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities, while February and March see a moderate rise to 4 and 5, respectively, with burn times of 30 minutes. Notably, the high-risk months kick off in April with an increased index of 7, reaching a peak during the summer months of May, June, and July, where the UV Index soars to 8-10, indicating very high levels of exposure and shortening burn times to just 15 minutes. This perilous UV exposure slightly recedes in August and September, but still remains significant with indices of 9 and 7. As temperatures cool, October and November return to moderate levels, while January and December revert to low exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, especially from April to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours.
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 |
| Saint-Sardos | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |