Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Big Pine, United States, where the alpine climate can lead to surprising sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. By monitoring UV levels throughout the day—especially when they're elevated—individuals can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely and protect themselves against long-term skin damage. Embrace the sun smartly in Big Pine, where the beauty of nature awaits but also brings the responsibility of safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 3, but the real intensity kicks in as the day progresses. At 09:00, it climbs to 5, signaling the start of sun safety awareness. The peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index hits a scorching 12 at 12:00 and reaches its maximum of 13 at 13:00. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 15:00, and further down to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun dips on the horizon, the UV intensity falls back to a mild 1 by 19:00. This data serves as a reminder of how vital it is to protect ourselves during the peak hours of UV exposure!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being April through September when the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. This period sees a dramatic drop in safe burn time to just 10 minutes, indicating strong precaution is necessary. In contrast, January and December represent the lowest risk months with a moderate exposure category and longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months: applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize harmful UV exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days or during cooler months, UV rays can still pose a risk, so it's essential to stay informed and protected year-round.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Big Pine | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |