Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Encinitas, United States, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching a significant 12 at noon, awareness of these numbers is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The Mediterranean-like climate of Encinitas, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, exposes residents and visitors to increased UV radiation, especially during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic dance of sun intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at the highest levels between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Starting the morning gentle with a UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates as the sun rises, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM and surging to 11 by noon. The maximal exposure occurs at 1:00 PM with a striking 12, indicating a period of high sun intensity that calls for caution. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, reaching a comfortable 3 by 5:00 PM and settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This rhythmic pattern serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest UV Index levels observed from March to August. The months of May and June peak at an extreme UV Index of 11 and 12, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes, posing a significant risk for sunburn. March and April also present substantial risks, classified as very high with an Index of 9 and 10, and a burn time of 15 minutes. As summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index begins to decrease, but September and October still remain at high levels with burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents are strongly advised to prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months of March through August by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun 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 |
| Encinitas | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |