Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pollock Pines, California, especially given its Csa climate that exposes the community to varying UV levels throughout the day. By being aware of UV index readings, which can peak at a powerful 11 around noon, you can effectively protect yourself from sunburn and long-term skin damage. With typical high exposure risks in the summer months, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for maintaining healthy skin and enjoying the outdoors safely. Whether you’re hiking in the picturesque Sierra foothills or simply relaxing in your backyard, awareness of UV levels can help you make informed decisions to safeguard your skin.
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!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months of May to August, where it reaches extremes of 11 to 12. The highest risk occurs in May, June, and July, with burn times as short as 10 minutes under these conditions. March and April also present considerable UV exposure, categorized as very high, with burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from late winter through summer, especially during these high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the season transitions into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, offering more moderate exposure from October to December.
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 |
| Pollock Pines | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |