Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Lake City, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With UV levels peaking at a significant 13 at midday, understanding these fluctuations can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure. Given the city's Dfc climate, which features distinct seasons, residents should be particularly vigilant during warmer months when UV exposure risks are higher. By monitoring the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun's rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it ramps up to 4, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where it reaches a striking 12 and an intense 13, reminding us to seek shade or apply sunscreen. In the early afternoon, we experience a brief plateau before it steadily declines, dropping to 8 by 16:00 and waning to 1 again by 19:00. This clear pattern highlights the importance of safeguarding our skin during the sun’s 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months occurring from March to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 14 in May and June. This indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, as the burn time drops to just 10 minutes during these months. The spring and summer months, especially April to August, are particularly critical, with the UV Index consistently ranking in the extreme category. Residents and visitors should take serious precautions during this period, employing protective measures such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, fall and winter months have lower UV Index ratings, particularly in January and December, where the exposure is rated as moderate, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes and 25 minutes respectively. It's essential to adjust sun safety practices accordingly throughout the year.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Lake City | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |