Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for the residents of La Palma, United States, as it plays a key role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With typical UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM—reaching a maximum of 11—awareness becomes crucial for enjoying the outdoors safely. La Palma's BSk climate offers plenty of sunny days, increasing the risks associated with elevated UV exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful California sunshine.
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 |
| La Palma | 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 |