Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Mount Shasta, where the climate offers stunning outdoor activities but also presents unique sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 11 around noon, it's crucial to grasp the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy fun in the sun while minimizing health risks. The lush, mountainous landscape may entice you outdoors, but don't forget to check those UV levels to ensure your skin stays healthy and safe under the beautiful Mount Shasta sun!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at 11 around 1 PM—a clear signal for sun protection. Starting from a low of just 1 at 7 AM, it escalates through the morning, hitting 8 by 11 AM. At 12 PM, the intensity reaches a significant 10, before slightly diminishing to 9 at 3 PM and tapering off rapidly in the afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels drop to 4 by 5 PM, finally settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this clear UV trajectory, staying cautious during the peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, is essential for skin safety. Don your sunscreen and enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |