Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the stunning alpine town of Briançon, France, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking as high as 11 during the midday hours, understanding these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The cold climate zone (Dfc) may lead to a false sense of security, but the intense sunlight at elevation means that UV rays can be deceptively strong. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities Briançon offers while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating peak in solar intensity, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs, the index rises gradually, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. However, it’s at 11:00 AM when the UV Index begins to surge, hitting 7, and then reaching its zenith with a staggering 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, marking the hours when sun safety is crucial. The afternoon sees a gentle decline, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the intensity diminishes further, settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the most intensive exposure occurring from March through August. During these months, the index peaks at 11, categorized as extreme in June and July, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. March, April, and May also present high risks, classified as very high with minimum burn times of 15 minutes. Conversely, the months of January, November, and December feature the lowest UV ratings, ranging from 2 to 4, where the burn time is notably longer at 30 to 45 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to take necessary precautions during the peak months, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks of overexposure to UV radiation.
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 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Briancon | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |