Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the beautiful coastal town of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by sunny summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike must understand the daily fluctuations in UV levels to protect themselves effectively. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar to as high as 10 (very high), underscoring the importance of taking precautions like wearing sunscreen and seeking shade. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the sun safely while preserving your skin's health for many summers to come.
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 |
| Saint-Laurent-du-Var | 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 |