Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oceanside, California, where sun exposure can lead to serious skin health risks. With peak UV levels reaching 12 during midday hours, being aware of the UV Index plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. Given Oceanside's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, sunny days, the potential for overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is significant, making it essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index peaks dramatically as the day unfolds, making sun safety a critical consideration. At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a modest 1, but by 09:00, it climbs to 4, signaling a noticeable increase in solar intensity. The highest reading occurs at 12:00, reaching a staggering 11, which indicates a very high level of UV radiation—perfect conditions for seeking shade or wearing protective clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline from 12:00 to 15:00, with 11 and 8 respectively, before tapering off to 3 by 17:00. The evening light brings relief as the UV Index drops back to 1 by 18:00, encouraging outdoor relaxation post-sun exposure. Always remain vigilant 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 | 7 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, peaking in the summer months. High-risk months include May through August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), requiring only 10 minutes of exposure before the risk of burns increases. In contrast, March and April also pose risks with very high levels (8-10), and a burn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. As a general guideline, both visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Conversely, lower UV Index levels in January, November, and December present moderate risks, allowing for longer exposure times (up to 30 minutes) but still warranting some protective measures.
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 |
| Oceanside | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |