Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Chateauroux-les-Alpes, France, where the alpine climate can expose you to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around midday, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Given the region's Dfc climate, typically characterized by cool summers, the sun’s intensity can still pose risks, especially during clear days. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Chateauroux-les-Alpes while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, hinting at the day ahead. As we approach mid-morning, the intensity climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM and then dramatically spikes to 5 at 10:00 AM. The real peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the index soars to a whopping 10, indicating strong sun exposure. This midday intensity begins to taper off by 3:00 PM, as it drops to 9, and continues to slide through the late afternoon, ending the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting outdoor activities. From January to February, the UV Index is moderate (3 to 5), allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, starting in March, the index climbs to 7, marking the beginning of high-risk exposure with a burn time reduced to 25 minutes. April through August represents the peak risk period, with UV indexes ranging from 8 to 10 and burn times dropping to 15 minutes, categorizing these months as very high exposure. September sees a slight decline to an index of 8, while October presents a high risk again (index 6) with longer burn times of 25 minutes. The risk then decreases significantly in November and December, returning to moderate and low levels (3 and 2, respectively) with extended burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions—such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade—especially during the high-risk months of March to September to minimize sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Chateauroux-les-Alpes | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |