Last updated: June 2, 2025
In sunny Matlacha, Florida, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risk of skin cancer. With a Cfa climate that boasts plenty of sunshine, Matlacha often sees peak UV Index readings that can soar to dangerous levels—like a blistering 12 around midday. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors while keeping your skin safe.
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 seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV Index levels from January through September, peaking at 12 during the summer months of May through August, reflecting an extreme exposure category with a recommended burn time of only 10 minutes. The months of February, March, and April also show high to very high UV levels, with indices reaching 9 to 11, while the risk lessens as the year progresses, with November at 7 and December at 5, categorized as high and moderate, respectively. It is important for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months of February through September, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during peak hours, to minimize the risk of harmful effects from UV exposure.
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 |
Matlacha | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |