Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Crystal River, Florida is essential for sun safety and skin health in this beautiful, sunny locale. With a warm Cfa climate, Crystal River experiences significant sun exposure, especially during the midday hours when the UV Index peaks at a staggering 11. Being aware of UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take proactive steps against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Whether you're lounging by the water or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for a leisurely morning. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling that it's time to enjoy some shade. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a maximum index of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Continuing at 13:00 and 14:00, the index holds steady at 11, urging caution with the midday sun blazing down. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down with a gentle 1 at 19:00, marking a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Be sure to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 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 |
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 |