Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Oriole Beach, as it plays a crucial role in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters (classified as Cfa), Oriole Beach experiences fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 12 around 1 PM. Being aware of these UV levels is vital in safeguarding against harmful effects, particularly during those peak hours when the sun's rays are most intense. By keeping an eye on the UV index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index reveals a fascinating journey through the day, peaking dramatically as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting off with a mild index of 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. As the morning unfolds, the intensity surges, with a notable jump to 4 at 09:00, and skyrocketing to a striking 11 by 12:00. The highest level of 12 is recorded at 13:00, indicating the critical hour for sun exposure, before a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it dips to 10, followed by a steady drop to 8 at 15:00, and continues to decrease into the evening. The UV Index settles back down to 1 by 18:00, tapering off into the night. It's a stark reminder of the sun's powerful influence, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with high-risk months primarily falling between February and August. Notably, April to July feature an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12, necessitating precautions to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes during peak hours. February and March present significant risks as well, with very high UV levels of 8 and 9, leading to burn times of only 15 minutes. To safeguard your skin, residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the year progresses, November and December offer lower UV levels, classified as high and moderate, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Oriole Beach | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |