Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lakeland, United States, where the Cfa climate brings warm, sunny days with significant sun exposure. An elevated UV Index not only increases the risk of sunburn but can also lead to long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential for everyone, especially during peak hours. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 from noon to 2 PM, it’s vital to protect yourself with shade, clothing, and sunscreen to enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity. Starting the morning at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the sun gains strength as the day advances. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, and the real heat kicks in at 12:00, peaking at an impressive 10. The intensity escalates further, hitting a maximum of 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases to 7 by 16:00, before tapering off to 4 at 17:00, and finally returning to a mild 1 by 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV Index soars!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, reaching its peak during the summer months of June and July, with an extreme UV Index of 12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend from February through September, where values consistently register high to extreme levels. Specifically, April and May see sustained extreme conditions with an index of 11, indicating that extended outdoor activities should come with caution. Residents and visitors are advised to take proactive measures by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during these high-risk months, particularly from March through September when the potential for harmful UV exposure is greatest. As we move towards October and November, UV levels decrease, allowing for safer outdoor activities, although awareness should always remain a priority.
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 |
| Lakeland | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |