Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin in Vallouise, France, where the stunning alpine scenery can come with significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking around midday—reaching as high as 10—being aware of these fluctuations is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The Dfc climate here means that even on cooler days, the intensity of the sun's rays can pose risks, particularly during the summer months. Stay informed and take precautions to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes without compromising your well-being.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains steady until 9:00 AM. However, the real heat of the day kicks in as we approach midday; by 11:00 AM, the index soars to 7 and peaks at an impressive 10 at 1:00 PM. Just past noon, we see a slight decline, with values dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and settling at 6 by 4:00 PM. As the sun begins to lower in the sky, the intensity eases, trailing down to 3 by 6:00 PM and returning to 1 by the evening. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV index reveal a significant increase in solar radiation from late winter into summer. January and February see moderate UV exposure with indices of 3 and 5, respectively, where burn time is 30 minutes. However, as we enter March through June, the UV index escalates dramatically, reaching a peak of 11 in June, classified as extreme, with burn times dropping to just 10 minutes. July and August maintain a very high level of UV exposure at 10, while September sees a slight decrease to 8. October marks a return to high exposure with a UV index of 6, while November and December return to moderate and low levels, suggesting burn times lengthen to 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during high-risk months from March to September, particularly at noon when the sun's rays are the strongest. Regular use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoidance of prolonged sun exposure are essential during these peak times to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Vallouise | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |