Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Huntington Beach, United States, is crucial for maintaining healthy skin in this coastal paradise. With the sun reaching its peak intensity during midday hours—boasting a hazardous UV Index level of 11 at noon—awareness of these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Huntington Beach enjoys a semi-arid climate that combines warm summers with plentiful sunshine, making it imperative for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV exposure risks. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure. January and December exhibit moderate UV levels (Index 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives, February escalates to a high UV Index of 6 with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The risk peaks in March and April, hitting a very high UV Index of 8 and 10 respectively, with critical burn times of just 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July show the highest UV Index at 11, categorized as extreme, where even a brief 10-minute exposure can lead to burns. Although August and September remain very high, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. As UV levels taper off in October and November, a moderate level of risk is present again. Residents and visitors are advised to protect themselves with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially from March to September when UV exposure can be particularly harmful.
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 |
| Huntington Beach | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |