Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Miami, where the sun shines bright nearly all year round. With UV levels often peaking at an alarming 11-12 during midday, awareness of these levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. Miami's warm, tropical climate brings heightened risks of UV exposure, especially during the summer months, making it essential to monitor the UV Index daily. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins low in the morning, peaking sharply around 12:00 PM with a striking 11. From there, it maintains a high level, reaching a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, before gradually falling as the afternoon progresses. By 3:00 PM, it dips to 9, signaling a decline in intensity. As evening approaches, the index returns to a more manageable 2 by 6:00 PM, ultimately settling at 1 as the sun sets. Remember to protect your skin, especially during those peak hours when the UV intensity reaches its highest levels!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring from February to September. The UV Index peaks in June at 13, classified as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Other high-risk months include April and May, also rated as extreme, along with July and August. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize exposure. October and November still present very high risks, while January and December lower to high levels, where burn time increases to 25 minutes. Staying informed about UV conditions is essential for safety year-round.
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 |
| Miami | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |