Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Malibu, where sunny days and beautiful beaches beckon throughout the year. With peak UV levels often reaching 11, which categorizes them as extreme, being aware of these fluctuations can make a significant difference in protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. Malibu's Mediterranean climate offers plentiful sunshine, appealing to sun-seekers, but it also presents unique risks associated with high UV exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun while prioritizing your skin health and overall well-being.
Expect a sunny day with a fluctuating UV Index that peaks at 11 around midday. The morning starts off gentle, with values rising from 1 at 7:00 AM to 4 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index escalates sharply, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM and hitting its highest point of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After the sun’s zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours for a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the index rises from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), with burn times decreasing from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The risk escalates sharply in March and April, reaching levels of 8 and 10 (very high), where only 15 minutes of unprotected exposure is recommended. The summer months of June, July, and August present the highest danger with an extreme UV Index of 11, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines; in September, it remains very high at 10, and by October, it drops to 7 (high). Finally, November and December return to moderate levels of 5 and 4, respectively, allowing for burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months of March through October, especially in the peak summer months, by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Malibu | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |