Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Punta Gorda, Florida, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year. As temperatures rise, so do the UV levels, making awareness of these readings essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With a climate classification of Cfa (humid subtropical), Punta Gorda experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can reach a maximum of 12. By staying informed about UV levels, you can better protect yourself and enjoy all the outdoor activities this beautiful area has to offer while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 07:00, the sun gradually rises in intensity as it climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00, the UV Index spikes to 5, but the real surge occurs around 12:00, hitting a peak of 10. The highest exposure comes at 13:00, reaching an impressive 12, encouraging sun safety awareness as the afternoon sun bears down. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off, with 11 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing to 4 by 17:00. The evening brings a welcome relief, with the index dropping back to 1 by 19:00. Overall, this UV forecast illustrates the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours of midday.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |
| Punta Gorda | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |