Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Crystal River is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially in this sunny part of Florida, where the climate is classified as Cfa. With UV exposure peaking around noon and reaching levels as high as 11 during the summer months, residents and visitors should be mindful of their time in the sun. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 11 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From February to August, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, with the highest readings occurring in April, May, and June (UV Index 11-12). During these months, the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes, indicating a heightened risk of skin damage. February, March, and September also present high risks (UV Index 8-10), where exposure times require caution. In contrast, winter months like January and December see much lower UV levels (UV Index 5), where the exposure risk is moderate, and burn times can extend to 30 minutes. To minimize sun exposure risks, it is advisable for everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak UV hours, particularly from late morning to mid-afternoon.
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 |
| Crystal River | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |