Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a charming coastal town in France known for its scenic beaches and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly during the peak sun hours when the index can reach as high as 8. With a temperate oceanic climate, the region experiences varying UV exposure, so it's essential to monitor these levels daily. This awareness not only protects your skin but enhances your overall outdoor enjoyment, ensuring that fun in the sun remains safe and healthy!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear trajectory, starting low in the early hours. From 07:00 to 09:00, the UV Index remains at a safe 1 to 2, offering minimal sun exposure risk. As the day unfolds, a notable spike occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, with values climbing to a peak of 8. This indicates a heightened need for sun protection during these late morning to early afternoon hours. Post 14:00, the Index begins to gradually decline, yet remains moderately elevated, dropping to 5 by 17:00 before settling back to 2 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely and stay protected, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 |
| Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie | 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 |