Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Valras-Plage, France. With its Mediterranean climate and sunny beaches, Valras-Plage offers the perfect setting for outdoor activities; however, it also poses significant UV exposure risks. Knowing the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly when the index peaks around noon, reaching levels as high as 10. Awareness of these levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful sun while taking necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight significant fluctuations in the UV Index. The months of May through August are particularly high-risk, with UV Index values reaching a peak of 10, indicating very high exposure and a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV exposure is strongest. March and April also show increased risk with UV Index values of 6 and 7 respectively. Conversely, January and December present lower risk levels, with UV Index values of 2 indicating low exposure and longer potential burn times of 45 minutes. It is essential to monitor UV levels year-round and adjust sun protection strategies accordingly to ensure safety.
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 |
| Valras-Plage | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |