Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rancho Murieta, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall skin health. With the region's Mediterranean climate, residents and visitors are frequently exposed to varying UV levels, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the index peaks at a striking 11. This level signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making awareness essential for effective sunburn prevention. By staying informed about the daily UV index, you can better enjoy the sun while safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting the risk of UV exposure throughout the year. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, from February to March, the UV levels rise significantly, peaking at 11 during the summer months of June and July, categorized as extreme, with the shortest burn time of only 10 minutes in peak months like June. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. It is advisable for visitors and residents to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, especially from late spring to mid-summer. As fall approaches, the risk decreases, with the UV Index dropping back to moderate levels by November.
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 |
| Rancho Murieta | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |