Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in the Gulf Stream region of the United States, especially as the area's unique Af climate brings both warmth and vitality. By knowing the UV levels throughout the day, you can effectively protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. With peak UV readings soaring to 12 between noon and early afternoon, awareness of these fluctuations is key to maintaining skin health and enjoying outdoor activities safely. As you navigate the sunlight, stay informed to mitigate exposure risks in this vibrant climate—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a clear progression of solar intensity as the hours unfold. Starting the morning with low values of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index begins to rise significantly by 9:00 AM, reaching 3. The sun's potency peaks sharply at 12:00 PM with a staggering value of 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This intensity remains elevated at 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, before starting to decline as the afternoon turns to evening. By 3:00 PM, it falls to 10, and further decreases to 4 by 5:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index tapers off to 2 at 6:00 PM and returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day that strongly emphasizes the importance of sun safety during 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September, where the index peaks at 12, categorized as extreme. This period indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes, making sun protection critically important. February and March also present high risks, with indices of 9 and 10, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. As UV levels drop in the fall and winter months, from October to December, while still significant, the levels decrease to a maximum of 8 in November, allowing for somewhat safer outdoor activities. Always remain vigilant about UV exposure, regardless of the season.
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 |
| Gulf Stream | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |