Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ampus, France, where the sunny Mediterranean climate can lead to heightened UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 9 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As you enjoy the picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities that Ampus offers, knowing how to gauge UV intensity helps you stay safe while soaking up the sun. Remember, even on seemingly mild days, UV rays can still pose a risk, so stay informed and protected!
Starting off with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day gradually warms up, reaching a significant maximum of 9 by 1:00 PM. The sun shines brightest during the midday hours, peaking at 8 around noon before sizzling down to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels begin to drop, concluding the day with a more manageable 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV Index levels, significantly impacting exposure and burn times. From January to February, UV exposure is relatively low (UV Index 2-4), allowing for about 45 minutes of safe sun exposure, yet caution should still be exercised. March and April ramp up to high levels (UV Index 6-7), with burn times decreasing to 25 minutes. The summer months of May through August present the highest risk, as UV Index values hit 9-10, indicating very high exposure with a mere 15 minutes burn time—adequate sun protection is essential during this period. As autumn arrives, UV levels begin to drop; September returns to high (UV Index 7) with 25 minutes of burn time, followed by moderate levels in October (UV Index 5) and November (UV Index 3), allowing for 30 minutes of exposure before winter brings low levels once again in December (UV Index 2) with 45 minutes of safe sun time. Visitors and residents are advised to monitor the UV Index closely, especially during high-risk months (May to August), and take necessary precautions such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
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 |
| Ampus | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |