Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Happy Camp, California, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a climate classified as Csb, the region experiences a unique blend of sunny days and potential UV exposure risks that can lead to skin damage if precautions aren't taken. As the UV index can peak at an intense 11 around midday, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV levels. This awareness helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the beautiful outdoors while protecting against long-term skin effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at 11 around 1 PM—a clear signal for sun protection. Starting from a low of just 1 at 7 AM, it escalates through the morning, hitting 8 by 11 AM. At 12 PM, the intensity reaches a significant 10, before slightly diminishing to 9 at 3 PM and tapering off rapidly in the afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels drop to 4 by 5 PM, finally settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this clear UV trajectory, staying cautious during the peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, is essential for skin safety. Don your sunscreen and enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 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, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV index remains moderate (3-4), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes; however, as March approaches, it rises sharply to 7 (high), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The peak UV months are April through June, where the index reaches an extreme level of 11, necessitating caution with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Even during July and August, which continue a very high classification of 10, the burn time remains brief (15 minutes). As summer wanes into September, the UV index stays very high at 9 before tapering down to 6 in October, where it shifts back to a high exposure category. November and December see a return to moderate levels (4-3), allowing for a more lenient 30-minute burn time. To ensure safety, residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection—such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—especially during the high-risk months of April to September when UV exposure is at its peak.
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 |
| Happy Camp | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |