Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cedar Key, Florida, where the subtropical climate fosters plenty of sunny days. As UV radiation levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, being aware of these changes is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. With the UV Index peaking at a high level of 12 around midday, Cedar Key's exposure risks intensify during those hours, making it important to take protective measures when enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of Cedar Key’s sunshine responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun intensity. In the early hours, from 7:00 to 9:00, the index remains low at 1 to 3, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, as the sun climbs higher, the UV exposure peaks dramatically at 12:00 with an index of 10, reaching its highest point of 12 at 1:00 PM. This is the critical time for sun safety measures—sunscreen and protective clothing are essential! As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to a 7 by 4:00 PM and further to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it's a day marked by a sharp rise and gradual decline in UV levels, highlighting the importance of staying shielded during 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 | 11 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and December experience a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. As we move into February and March, the UV Index escalates to a very high level of 8 and 10, respectively, with shorter burn times of 15 minutes. The spring months of April and May reach extreme levels of 11, requiring extra precautions with a burn time of only 10 minutes. June and July maintain the extreme index level of 12, emphasizing the necessity for sun protection. As late summer transitions into fall, August drops slightly to 11, followed by September and October with a very high index of 10 and 9, where burn times revert to 15 minutes. In November, the UV index decreases to 7, categorized as high, allowing for 25 minutes of sun exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures especially from February to August, including wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of UV-related skin 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Cedar Key | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |