Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Les Arcs, France is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn—especially during the peak summer months when UV levels can soar. With the region's Csa climate, which typically boasts sunny days and clear skies, the risk of overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays is higher than many realize. Awareness of the daily UV levels, particularly when they reach a high of 9 around midday, empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring that outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable while protecting against long-term skin damage.
Starting off with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day gradually warms up, reaching a significant maximum of 9 by 1:00 PM. The sun shines brightest during the midday hours, peaking at 8 around noon before sizzling down to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels begin to drop, concluding the day with a more manageable 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Les Arcs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |