Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Gaude, France, where the Mediterranean climate brings ample sunshine and elevated UV levels. Being aware of UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 10 around 1 PM. With summer temperatures rising and the sun's rays becoming stronger, La Gaude experiences significant exposure risks during the day. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly begins to climb, peaking dramatically around 1:00 PM with a significant 10. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the UVI escalates through the morning, reaching 8 by noon. The sun's intensity continues to impress, hitting a maximum of 10 at 1:00 PM before gradually descending in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 8, then further declines to 6 by 4:00 PM, and settles at 1 again by 7:00 PM. It's essential to stay protected during the midday hours when UV exposure is most intense, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time outdoors.
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV levels gradually increase from low (Index 2) to high (Index 6), with a significant leap in risk occurring by April (Index 7). The summer months (May to August) peak in UV intensity, reaching very high levels (Index 8-10), where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. September marks a slight decrease, transitioning back to high levels, before settling into moderate levels by October and November. The year concludes with low levels again in December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months from April to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
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 |
| La Gaude | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |