Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Le Mans, France, especially as it plays a significant role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and being aware of these levels helps you take proactive steps against skin damage. With Le Mans experiencing a Cfb climate, which features mild summers and moderate UV exposure, it's vital to recognize that UV levels can spike dramatically, peaking at 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Monitoring the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days in Le Mans without compromising your skin's health.
The UV Index for the day reflects a dynamic rise in solar intensity as we move toward midday, peaking at 9 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting off gently, the day begins with a low UV rate of 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, making it safe for early morning activities. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase, hitting 4 by 10:00 AM and reaching 5 at 11:00 AM. By noon, the UV Index escalates to 7, signaling that sun protection is becoming increasingly crucial. Post-peak hours show a gradual decline, with readings at 8 and 7 for 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, respectively, before tapering off to a more moderate 2 by 7:00 PM. Therefore, it’s essential to stay vigilant during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal variations that affect exposure risk. January and February have relatively low to moderate UV levels (Index 2-3), with safe burn times of 45 and 30 minutes respectively. As spring approaches, March sees a rise to an index of 5, and by April, it reaches 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months. The most critical period arrives in May and June, where the UV Index peaks at 8-9, indicating very high exposure risk and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain this peak, before tapering off in September with a return to a high risk (UV Index 6). October brings a moderate reduction (Index 4), while winter months November and December drop back to low levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May through September, using sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize harmful effects during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Le Mans | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 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 |