UV Index in Pasadena, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Pasadena, California, is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With the region's temperate Mediterranean climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the daily fluctuations in UV levels, which can reach a peak of 11 during midday hours. This stark increase poses significant risks for overexposure, making it essential to monitor the UV Index regularly. By staying informed, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors responsibly while safeguarding your skin from potential damage. Don’t let a beautiful day catch you off guard—embrace the sunshine with caution!

Hourly UV Index in Pasadena

At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching a maximum of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—a time when protective measures are crucial. The peak UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety, as conditions can be particularly harsh. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index wanes to a mellow 1 by 19:00, suggesting a return to safer exposure levels. Keep in mind that tracking the UV Index throughout the day can help protect your skin from harmful rays!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Pasadena

Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with the most intense exposure occurring from April to August. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (10-12), significantly reducing the burn time to just 10 minutes. March and September also pose risks with very high levels (8-10), allowing for a burn time of only 15 minutes. Consequently, February and October present high levels (6-7), where protective measures are still advised with adjusted burn times of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Pasadena, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Pasadena. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Pasadena, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Pasadena UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Pasadena compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Pasadena's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Pasadena	4	6	8	10	11	11	12	11	10	7	5	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5