Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Malibu, California, where sunny days are plentiful. This popular coastal destination boasts a Csb climate, leading to higher UV exposure, especially during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health. With UV indices in Malibu often reaching levels as high as 11, it's vital to take protective measures—from wearing sunscreen to seeking shade—ensuring your time in the sun is enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index steadily climbs as the day progresses, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM. Sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts should be mindful, as the index hits a high of 10 at 12:00 PM, signaling significant UV exposure. After this peak, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continuing to decline to 1 by 7:00 PM. For safe sun enjoyment, it’s best to take precautions during those high UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Remember to sport your hats and sunscreen!
| 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 | 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 |