Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Chataigneraie, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With typical summer conditions in this Cfb climate zone leading to higher UV exposure, understanding when the UV levels peak can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions. During the day, the UV Index at its maximum can reach 8—a level that signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Familiarizing yourself with these levels enables smarter choices when enjoying outdoor activities, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience under the sun.
The UV Index shows a distinct pattern throughout the day, starting off low in the early hours with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the sun rises higher, it peaks sharply, reaching 8 from 13:00 to 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The index then begins to decline, tapering to 6 by 16:00 and further dropping to 2 by 19:00. It’s crucial to take protective measures during the peak hours, especially between 12:00 and 15:00, when the UV levels are at their most intense. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels fluctuate significantly, with distinct high-risk months emerging in the summer. From May to August, the UV Index is categorized as very high (ranging from 8 to 9), indicating that visitors and residents should exercise heightened caution, as the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. April sees a transition to a high exposure category, while March starts in a moderate range. Conversely, the winter months, including January, November, and December, have a low UV Index (2), granting longer burn times of 45 minutes. To safeguard against skin damage, it's imperative for everyone to wear protective clothing, seek shade, and apply sunscreen during peak UV times, especially from late spring to the end of summer.
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 |
| La Chataigneraie | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |