Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Garde-Freinet is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. With typical mid-day levels peaking at an intense 10, awareness of UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Nestled in a warm Mediterranean climate, La Garde-Freinet offers plenty of sun – making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the sun is strongest. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while ensuring they take necessary precautions against overexposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains steady until 9:00 AM. However, the real heat of the day kicks in as we approach midday; by 11:00 AM, the index soars to 7 and peaks at an impressive 10 at 1:00 PM. Just past noon, we see a slight decline, with values dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and settling at 6 by 4:00 PM. As the sun begins to lower in the sky, the intensity eases, trailing down to 3 by 6:00 PM and returning to 1 by the evening. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes in sun exposure risks. January and December are the safest months, with a low exposure category and burn times of 45 minutes, while February and March indicate a moderate risk with an elevated UV Index of 4 and 5, respectively. The high-risk period peaks from April to August, where the UV Index climbs to very high levels, particularly in June (10) and July (9), warranting a burn time reduction to just 15 minutes. September sees a slight decrease to a high category (UV Index 7) while October through November return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between April and August when the sun's intensity is at its highest.
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 |
| La Garde-Freinet | 2 | 4 | 5 | 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 |