Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Port Charlotte, Florida, where the warm Cfa climate brings plenty of sunshine year-round. Being aware of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining good skin health, especially during peak sun hours when the UV Index can reach levels as high as 12. With daily exposure risks typically spiking between 11 AM and 3 PM, it’s vital to incorporate sun safety practices into your routine. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing the UV Index can help you protect your skin and enjoy Port Charlotte’s beautiful weather safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, where it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the index accelerates to a moderate 5, but it’s at 11:00 AM that the heat intensifies, reaching 8. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering value of 10, followed by the highest point of the day at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it maxes out at 12. After this peak, the index gradually declines: it drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease to 7 at 4:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the intensity wanes, falling to 5 at 5:00 PM and back down to 2 by 6:00 PM, before settling at 1 again as day turns to dusk by 7:00 PM. Remember to shield yourself during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting skin safety for both visitors and residents. From January to March, the UV Index rises from 6 to 10, indicating high to very high exposure risk, with burn times decreasing from 25 minutes to just 15 minutes. April through August marks the peak months for UV intensity, consistently at 12, categorized as extreme, where even short exposures of 10 minutes can lead to sunburn. In September, UV levels remain high at 11 before tapering off through October with a 9, and finally decreasing to 5 in December, classified as moderate. For optimal sun safety, it is crucial for individuals to plan outdoor activities accordingly, particularly during the spring and summer months, ensuring protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade are utilized.
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 |
| Port Charlotte | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |