Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Fruitvale, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index rises significantly. With a Dfb climate, Fruitvale experiences distinct seasons, but during the warmer months, the sun can be particularly intense. Between 11 AM and 2 PM, UV exposure can reach alarming levels—peaking at 12 at noon—making it essential to check the UV index daily to safeguard your health and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index rises sharply as the day unfolds, starting gently at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 2 by 8:00 AM and then jumps to 4 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks around midday, hitting a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, followed closely by a maximum of 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In the afternoon, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 3:00 PM and further down to 5 by 5:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the value lowers to 1 by 7:00 PM, indicating a rapid decrease in UV exposure. This cyclical pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UV Index is 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the summer months. From May to August, the UV Index ranges from 11 to 12, classifying these months as having an extreme exposure category, meaning the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is very high. Specifically, March to September are identified as high-risk months, where the burn time drastically decreases to as little as 10 minutes in peak summer. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and protect skin health. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, with January, November, and December classified as moderate, allowing for safer sun exposure, though caution is still recommended.
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 |
| Fruitvale | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |