Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Camp Pendleton South, where the sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle can increase your risk of skin damage. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring safe enjoyment of the beautiful Southern California sun while minimizing exposure risks throughout the day. Remember, even on mild days, high UV levels can impact your skin, so stay informed and stay safe!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching a maximum of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—a time when protective measures are crucial. The peak UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety, as conditions can be particularly harsh. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index wanes to a mellow 1 by 19:00, suggesting a return to safer exposure levels. Keep in mind that tracking the UV Index throughout the day can help protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, peaking in the summer months. High-risk months include May through August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), requiring only 10 minutes of exposure before the risk of burns increases. In contrast, March and April also pose risks with very high levels (8-10), and a burn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. As a general guideline, both visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Conversely, lower UV Index levels in January, November, and December present moderate risks, allowing for longer exposure times (up to 30 minutes) but still warranting some protective measures.
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 |
| Camp Pendleton South | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |