Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Palatka, Florida, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun's intensity peaking during the midday hours, awareness of UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Palatka's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) brings abundant sunshine year-round, resulting in higher UV exposure risks, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index on this particular day reveals a dynamic shift in sun exposure as the hours progress. Starting off at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low until 09:00, when it begins to rise gradually. By 10:00, the index reaches 5, signaling the start of heightened UV radiation. The day peaks sharply at 12:00 with a breathtaking 10, and just one hour later, it hits its maximum at 13:00 with an impressive 12. As the afternoon continues, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 11 at 14:00, and further decreasing to 9 by 15:00. The evening hours offer a welcome respite as the index falls to 4 at 17:00, then down to 2 by 18:00, and finally returning to a low 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder to stay protected during those peak 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly in April through August, where it peaks at 12. This means that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes during these months. February and March also present risks with very high indexes of 8 and 9, respectively, necessitating protection within 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels slightly decrease but remain elevated through October. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. The UV Index returns to moderate levels in January and December, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities.
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 |
| Palatka | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |