Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Cudjoe Key, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding daily UV levels allows residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during the peak hours when the index can soar to 12—a level indicating extreme risk! With its tropical climate, Cudjoe Key experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when indices can reach their highest levels. Stay vigilant and protect your skin to fully enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys sunshine!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, reaching their peak during the warmer months. From January to December, the high-risk months for UV exposure are February through September, where the index consistently falls within the very high to extreme categories. Particularly alarming are March, April, May, June, July, August, and September, with a persistent index of 11 or higher, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. To protect against skin damage, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take preventive measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest. As October to December approach, while the UV levels decrease, caution is still advised with burn times of 15 to 25 minutes in November and December. Always stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
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 |
| Cudjoe Key | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |