Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential for enjoying the sun safely and protecting your skin. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, especially in this beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. With a Mediterranean climate that offers plenty of sunshine, UV exposure can reach notably high levels—peaking at 10 around midday. It’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure you make the most of your time in the sun while safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | 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 |