Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Key West, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As one of the sunniest locales in the country, understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate that often leads to peak UV Index readings soaring to 11 and 12 during midday hours, it's essential to take precautions during outdoor activities. By being UV-aware, you can enjoy the beauty of Key West while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September, peaking at UV Index 13 in June. The extreme exposure category (UV Index 11-13) highlights the urgent need for protective measures, as the burn time during these months drops to just 10 minutes. February also poses a threat with a very high index of 9 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially during the high UV months of March through September. As the year progresses, the index generally decreases, with January and December being relatively safer months, registering high levels but allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes. Remaining vigilant about UV exposure year-round is essential for skin protection and overall health.
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 |
| Key West | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |