Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for Miami residents and visitors alike, as it provides vital information about ultraviolet radiation levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. In this sun-soaked paradise, where the tropical climate offers year-round warmth, the UV Index often peaks at dangerously high levels, especially during midday hours. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and overall health, ensuring you enjoy Miami’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while minimizing risks. With indices reaching up to 12 in the peak hours, awareness and precautionary measures are key to safeguarding your skin from harmful exposure.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking pattern, peaking at an intense 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking it as a crucial time for sun protection. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. It reaches 6 by 9:00 AM and escalates further to 8 at 10:00 AM. The midday sun asserts its strength with a 11 at 11:00 AM before hitting the maximum at 12. Following this peak, the UV Index begins its gradual decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then falling to 7 by 3:00 PM. The later hours see a further reduction, with values slipping to 5 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 again by 6:00 PM. Stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months being March through August, when the UV Index peaks at 12, indicating extreme exposure levels. Specifically, April, May, and June consistently show this maximum UV Index, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, but still poses a very high risk in September and October with indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly from March to August, and take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the winter months of January and December see lower UV exposure, categorized as moderate, with longer burn times of 30 minutes, making sun protection less critical but still advisable.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Miami | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |