Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the picturesque Mount Shasta, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels that peak at a staggering 12 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. This beautiful region, characterized by its cool-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb), presents unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure. As you enjoy the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, remember to check the UV Index regularly to stay protected against harmful effects of the sun. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, safeguarding your skin ensures you can enjoy everything Mount Shasta has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) steadily climbs, beginning with a safe level of 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling a stronger need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UVI hits an alarming 12, illustrating the importance of taking precautions during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, values start to recede, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and further declining to 2 by 18:00. Wrap up your outdoor activities as the sun dips below the horizon, as the UVI falls back to 1 by 19:00. Always remember to stay safe under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. During this period, peak UV Index values reach 11 in May and June, categorizing these months as extreme, where sensitive individuals can burn in just 10 minutes. March and April see very high levels (UV Index 8 and 9), reducing safe exposure times to 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, September and October remain relatively high at 9 and 7, respectively, allowing for burn times of 15 and 25 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December report moderate levels (UV Index 3 to 5), with burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take these variations into account, especially during high-risk months; protection against UV exposure—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—is strongly recommended to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Mount Shasta | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |