Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mountain View, United States is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness becomes critical for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Mountain View enjoys a climate characterized as Dfb, which influences its UV exposure risks, especially during summer months when the sun's intensity is heightened. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities while minimizing potential health risks.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic surge, peaking at an impressive 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The morning starts slowly, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index sharply rises, hitting 10 by 11:00 AM and reaching a sizzling 11 at noon. After the midday crescendo, there's a gradual decline, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM, and eventually settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where the risk of harm from UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12. During these months, the recommended burn time is as brief as 10 minutes, emphasizing the importance of protective measures against harmful UV radiation. Notably, March and September also present very high UV levels of 9 and 10, respectively, with a burn time of 15 minutes. In the winter months (January, November, December), UV exposure is less intense, categorized as moderate to high with burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize sun 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 |
| Mountain View | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |