Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gulf Breeze, United States, where the climate's warm, humid subtropical traits can lead to heightened sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With midday UV Index readings often soaring to 11 and 12, it's vital to stay informed about UV risks specific to the area. Whether you're enjoying a day by the beach or participating in outdoor activities, knowing how to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation can make all the difference in enjoying Gulf Breeze's beautiful weather safely.
The UV Index reveals a fascinating journey through the day, peaking dramatically as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting off with a mild index of 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. As the morning unfolds, the intensity surges, with a notable jump to 4 at 09:00, and skyrocketing to a striking 11 by 12:00. The highest level of 12 is recorded at 13:00, indicating the critical hour for sun exposure, before a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it dips to 10, followed by a steady drop to 8 at 15:00, and continues to decrease into the evening. The UV Index settles back down to 1 by 18:00, tapering off into the night. It's a stark reminder of the sun's powerful influence, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with high-risk months primarily falling between February and August. Notably, April to July feature an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12, necessitating precautions to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes during peak hours. February and March present significant risks as well, with very high UV levels of 8 and 9, leading to burn times of only 15 minutes. To safeguard your skin, residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the year progresses, November and December offer lower UV levels, classified as high and moderate, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Gulf Breeze | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |