Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Belleair Beach, Florida, where the sun shines bright and the climate is categorized as Cfa—meaning hot summers and mild winters. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 during midday, awareness of UV exposure can make all the difference in preventing painful sunburns and safeguarding skin health. By keeping an eye on UV ratings, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises on this beautiful day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually creeping up to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The heat peaks around noon, reaching a sizzling 10 at 12:00 PM, and quickly escalates to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the time to seek shade! However, as the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity tapers off, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then declining to 5 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the index continues to decrease, ending the day at a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. From April to September, the region experiences extreme UV levels (Index 11-12), which necessitates heightened awareness and sun protection as the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. February and March also see very high UV exposure, with an index of 8 and 9 respectively, where burn times drop to 15 minutes. Conversely, November to December presents lower risks, with UV indices ranging from 5 to 7 and burn times extending to 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, especially between April and September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of overexposure during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Belleair Beach | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |