Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nantes, France, as it plays a vital role in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 during the summer months, awareness of these readings can significantly help in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Nantes, characterized by its Cfb climate, experiences a mix of sunny and overcast days, but it's important not to underestimate UV exposure, especially during midday hours. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the proper precautions to safeguard your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a good time for outdoor activities with minimal sun exposure. By 09:00, it rises to 2, signaling the beginning of the sun's strength. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 15:00, where the index reaches a high of 9, warranting caution and protective measures against UV rays. After this zenith, the index gradually subsides, dropping to 7 at 16:00, before easing down to a more manageable 3 by 18:00 and 2 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor adventures wisely to stay safe under 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 | 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 | 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, 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 |
| Nantes | 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 |