Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Fallbrook, California, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health, especially as the sun can be both inviting and treacherous. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 during midday, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly, making awareness essential. Given Fallbrook's Mediterranean climate, residents and visitors enjoy abundant sunshine, but they must also be mindful of UV exposure while engaging in outdoor activities. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful California outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
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 |
| Fallbrook | 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 |