Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mendocino, California, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As sunny conditions and coastal breezes prevail in this charming area, awareness of UV levels can play a significant role in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With a peak UV Index reading of 11 around midday, it’s vital to be informed and prepare adequately, especially when outdoor activities are on the agenda. Mendocino’s temperate climate poses unique challenges, where strong sun exposure can occur even on cooler days, making it essential to prioritize sun safety.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling a notable increase in solar radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10 and continues to soar to a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, marking the hour of greatest exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off—dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and 8 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index gracefully descends to 4 at 5:00 PM, settling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during mid-day when UV rays are at their most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-5), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. In March, it escalates to a high level (7), reducing burn time to 25 minutes, and by April, it reaches an alarming 8, classified as very high, with just 15 minutes of safe exposure. The peak months of UV risk are May, June, and July, where the Index hits an extreme level of 11, necessitating protective measures after only 10 minutes in the sun. As summer transitions into autumn, from August to October, the UV Index remains notably high (10-8), with burn times ranging between 15 to 25 minutes. As the year ends, the UV levels decrease again, showing moderate readings in November and December. Visitors and residents should take precautions particularly during the high-risk months from March to October by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Mendocino | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |