Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Forcalquier, France, where the sun can shine brightly, especially during the warmer months. Staying informed about UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With its Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and moderate winters, Forcalquier experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. Peak UV Index readings can reach as high as 9, especially during midday, making it vital to take appropriate precautions when enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
Starting from 07:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, perfect for a morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity gradually increases: reaching 3 by 09:00 AM and then escalating to 4 at 10:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 01:00 PM, with a striking UV Index of 9, suggesting it's vital to seek shade or apply sunscreen during this hour. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 8 at 03:00 PM and 6 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops back to 4 at 05:00 PM, and then gently falls to 2 by 06:00 PM, before settling back at 1 near sunset. It's a day to stay sun-smart!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Forcalquier | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |