Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Los Olivos, United States, where the Mediterranean climate can lead to unexpected sun exposure. The UV Index serves as an essential tool for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly when levels peak around midday, reaching as high as 11—a significant risk for skin damage. Given that Los Olivos typically enjoys sunny days, being attuned to UV levels can help you take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay informed and enjoy the sun wisely!
Today’s UV Index tells a compelling story of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually picks up, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day warms up, it surges to a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM and hits 6 at 10:00 AM. The sun shines fiercest at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index peaks at an impressive 10, nudging even higher to 11 at 1:00 PM. After lunchtime, we see a steady decline: it dips to 10 at 2:00 PM, falls to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continues its descent to 5 at 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index drops significantly, ending the day with a cozy 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours for skin safety!
| 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 | 9 | 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 | 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, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations. The high-risk months, characterized by extreme UV levels and minimal burn times, are May through August, with June and July reaching a peak UV Index of 12 and an urgent burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level of 4 in January to an extreme of 11 in May, then gradually declines again in fall and winter. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risks of skin damage from UV exposure. In contrast, during the moderate months of November and December, exposure is less critical, but protective measures are still recommended. Stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
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 |
| Los Olivos | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |