Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Westwood, United States, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a climate characterized by mild summers and distinct seasons, Westwood experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. It's particularly important to be vigilant during peak hours—from late morning to early afternoon—when the UV Index can soar to 11 or even 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting skin health. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (4-5), allowing for approximately 30 minutes of safe exposure. However, come March through August, the UV Index escalates sharply, peaking at 12 in May and June, indicating extreme risk with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. September marks a decline to a very high UV level of 9, followed by lower indices in October (7), November (5), and December (3), where burn times increase back to 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months of March to August, opting for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to minimize UV exposure and prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Westwood | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |