Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, France, where the combination of a mild Cfb climate and high elevation can lead to significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is vital for protecting your skin: knowing when the risk is elevated can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index values soaring to 11 around midday, it's essential to take precautions, especially during the warmer months. Embrace the beauty of this picturesque region while prioritizing your skin health by staying informed about UV intensity!
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 3 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index peaks at an intense 11 between 13:00 and 14:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index gradually declines; by 16:00, it falls to 7, and eventually eases to 2 by 19:00. Remember to stay protected during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00, when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. June stands out as the peak month with an extreme UV Index of 11, meaning even a brief exposure can lead to skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to September, particularly notable in April (UV Index 8) and May (UV Index 9), where protective measures are crucial. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. As the seasons shift towards October and November, UV levels decrease significantly, returning to moderate and low categories, allowing for safer outdoor activities.
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 |
| Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |