Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Duck Key, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also reduces the long-term risks associated with skin damage, such as premature aging and skin cancer. With Duck Key's tropical climate, where UV exposure can peak at an alarming 11 to 12 during midday hours, being aware of daily UV ratings is crucial for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely. Equip yourself with knowledge to make informed choices and keep your skin healthy while basking in Florida’s 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the most intense exposure occurring from March to September. During this period, particularly in April through September, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12-13, with a burn time of just 10 minutes; thus, these months are considered high-risk for skin damage. February and March also pose considerable risks, with very high indexes of 9 and 10 respectively, and burn times as low as 15 minutes. As the year progresses into the cooler months, UV levels decrease, with January and December maintaining a high category but allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take preventive measures during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours.
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 |
Duck Key | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |