Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Palm Beach Gardens, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 12. Knowledge of UV levels empowers you to take proactive measures like applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects. Remember, awareness is your best defense against the sun's intensity in this vibrant area!
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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure reflect significant shifts in the UV Index. From January to March, the UV Index rises from a high level of 6 to a very high 10, indicating a growing risk for skin damage. The months of April through September present the most critical danger, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 12, where the burn time diminishes to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, October sees a drop to 10 (very high), before conditions moderate in November and December, with indexes falling to 7 and 5, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from April to September. It is essential to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade to safeguard against skin damage during these periods of heightened UV intensity.
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 |
| Palm Beach Gardens | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |