Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Carpinteria, California, where the sun can shine brightly, especially during the midday hours. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, making it essential for everyone—whether you’re enjoying the beach or working outdoors. With a Csb climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters, Carpinteria experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. Notably, during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 11, necessitating proactive measures to protect your skin from harmful rays. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the sunny beauty of Carpinteria responsibly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins steadily climbing, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling more intense rays ahead. The peak arrives right at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a sizzling 10, followed closely by a high of 11 at 1:00 PM—perfect times to seek shade and protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers gently descend, dipping to 8 at 3:00 PM and eventually falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data paints a clear picture: mid-day offers the strongest sun exposure, making sun safety paramount during those crucial hours. Enjoy the sun, but stay protected!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with the most intense exposure occurring from April to August. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (10-12), significantly reducing the burn time to just 10 minutes. March and September also pose risks with very high levels (8-10), allowing for a burn time of only 15 minutes. Consequently, February and October present high levels (6-7), where protective measures are still advised with adjusted burn times of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Carpinteria | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |