Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Cocoa West, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. The sun's rays can be particularly intense here, especially between late morning and early afternoon, when UV levels peak at a staggering 12. Given Cocoa West's Cfa climate—characterized by warm summers and moderate rainfall—it's essential to be aware of these fluctuations to protect yourself and your family from harmful effects. Stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the beautiful sunshine while keeping your skin safe!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dynamic landscape of sun exposure. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise steadily, peaking at 12 between 13:00 and 14:00—prime time for taking precautions against harmful rays. At 11:00, the index hits 8, indicating a strong need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a slight decline, but still significant levels of 9 at 15:00, before tapering off to 4 by 17:00. As the sun dips lower, the UV Index reduces to a mellow 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at 1 as evening approaches. It's a clear reminder to manage your sun exposure wisely, especially 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |
| Cocoa West | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |