Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Captiva, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the area's Cfa climate, which features warm, humid summers, understanding the daily UV levels can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Notably, the UV Index reaches its peak at noon, fluctuating from a manageable level of 3 in the morning to an intense 12 by early afternoon. By keeping a close eye on these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at 1 around 7:00 AM and remaining low until 9:00 AM, when it jumps to 3. By 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates to 5, signaling that it’s time to take precautions. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, with a scorching 11, followed closely by a peak of 12 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wears on, the index starts to decline, dipping to 10 by 3:00 PM, and continuing to decrease to 5 at 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the UV threat diminishes, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay sun-safe during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when the UV levels are their most dangerous!
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 | 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 reflects significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking at 12 in April, June, July, and August, where a mere 10 minutes of exposure can lead to skin damage. As we transition into fall and winter, the UV Index gradually decreases, reaching 6 in January and December, still indicating high risk, especially with a 25-minute burn time. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during the high and extreme UV months, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and to seek shade whenever possible, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are most intense.
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 |
Captiva | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |