Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque region of La Gaude, France, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. The UV Index provides crucial information about the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not properly managed. With La Gaude's Csb climate offering sunny days and mild temperatures, understanding UV levels becomes even more important, especially during peak hours when the index can reach levels of 8—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index ensures you enjoy the beauty of La Gaude while prioritizing your skin health.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and creeping up to 3 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity increases to 4, but it's not until 12:00 PM that it peaks at 8, indicating a strong sun. This high level maintains a steady presence between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, suggesting it's the perfect time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Protecting your skin during the midday hours is vital when the sun's rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |