Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Malibu is essential for anyone enjoying the sun-drenched beaches and scenic landscapes of this beautiful coastal city. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. With Malibu's Mediterranean climate bringing plentiful sunshine and typical UV exposure peaking around midday—reaching a striking 10—it’s vital to stay informed and protect yourself during those high-risk hours. Regularly checking the UV Index empowers locals and visitors alike to take precautionary measures, ensuring that your time under the California sun remains enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching an energetic 2 by 8:00 AM. The intensity escalates quickly, peaking at a robust 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—the ideal time to take extra sun safety precautions! By 2:00 PM, the index begins its gentle decline, settling to 9 at 2:00 PM, and gradually tapering off to a more manageable 3 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index dwindles to 1 by 6:00 PM, allowing for a calm end to the day. Remember, during peak hours, it’s crucial to protect your skin to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |