Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Isla Vista, a vibrant coastal community known for its sunny weather and outdoor activities. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 12 during midday, being aware of these numbers helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Isla Vista's Csb climate brings mild, sunny days, but the risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays remains, especially during the summer months. Stay informed and protect your skin with the right precautions, ensuring your time in this beautiful locale is both enjoyable and safe!
Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially when the UV Index 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 | 12 | 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 |
| Isla Vista | 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 |