Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Boca Raton is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's tropical climate that fosters higher UV exposure levels. During peak sun hours, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM, the UV Index can soar to a striking 12, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV levels throughout the day, residents and visitors can make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without compromising their skin health. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, as the morning progresses, a gradual increase is observed, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with an alarming 11, and it hits its maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The UV levels then begin to taper off, descending to 9 by 3:00 PM and dropping further to 2 by 6:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index returns to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us that while midday sun can be fierce, caution is advised at peak hours for skin safety.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September, where the index peaks at 12, categorized as extreme. This period indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes, making sun protection critically important. February and March also present high risks, with indices of 9 and 10, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. As UV levels drop in the fall and winter months, from October to December, while still significant, the levels decrease to a maximum of 8 in November, allowing for somewhat safer outdoor activities. Always remain vigilant about UV exposure, regardless of the season.
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 |
| Boca Raton | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |