Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Barbara is essential for safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Nestled in a Csb climate zone, Santa Barbara boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that can still present significant UV exposure risks, especially during the sunniest hours. Staying informed about these conditions is crucial for protecting yourself while soaking in the sun-filled beauty of this stunning coastal city.
The UV Index today showcases a striking pattern of intensity as the sun rises. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. A significant jump occurs at 9:00 AM, where it escalates to 4, setting the stage for a blazing midday. The peak sun exposure arrives at 12:00 PM with a scorching 11, persisting through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, indicating extreme UV levels. As the afternoon wanes, a gradual decline brings the index down to 9 by 3:00 PM, then gently descending to 4 by 5:00 PM. By evening, the sun's intensity fades to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally settles back to 1 at 7:00 PM. It's clear: today calls for sun safety measures during 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
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.
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 |
| Santa Barbara | 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 |