Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Arcadia, California, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. With its Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny summers, Arcadia experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours. Keep an eye on the UV Index to stay informed and safeguard your skin health—the highest readings often reach 11 from late morning to early afternoon, making sun protection essential.
The UV Index for the day presents a fascinating variation as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the intensity gradually escalates, reaching a moderate 4 by 09:00. The peak hits at 12:00 and 13:00, soaring to an intense 11, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline, tapering to 8 at 15:00, and by the evening, it plummets back to a 1 by 18:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety during those peak hours 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. March and April both exhibit a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, leading to a burn time of only 15 minutes. The peak months, May and June, are classified as extreme with a UV Index of 11 and 12, necessitating caution as the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. July and August continue this trend, remaining in the extreme category, before a gradual decline in September to 10 (very high) and further down to high with an Index of 7 in October. The year wraps up with moderate levels in November and December, where the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Given these variations, residents and visitors should take extra precautions from March through October, particularly during May and June, by wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize their risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Arcadia | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |