Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Goleta, California, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you mitigate risks like sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during those peak hours when the Index can soar to a staggering 11. Nestled in a Csb climate zone, Goleta enjoys beautiful coastal weather, but this can also mean increased UV exposure throughout the day. From mid-morning to early afternoon, it's essential to take precautions—whether it’s applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade—to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin. Stay savvy about the UV Index and embrace the sun responsibly!
The UV Index today showcases a striking pattern of intensity as the sun rises. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. A significant jump occurs at 9:00 AM, where it escalates to 4, setting the stage for a blazing midday. The peak sun exposure arrives at 12:00 PM with a scorching 11, persisting through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, indicating extreme UV levels. As the afternoon wanes, a gradual decline brings the index down to 9 by 3:00 PM, then gently descending to 4 by 5:00 PM. By evening, the sun's intensity fades to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally settles back to 1 at 7:00 PM. It's clear: today calls for sun safety measures 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | 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 |
| Goleta | 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 |