Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Saint Augustine Beach, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With a climate characterized by warm, humid summers, this area often experiences elevated UV levels that can pose risks even on seemingly mild days. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index skyrockets, reaching values as high as 12—signifying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, everyone can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful beach while safeguarding their skin against potential damage.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Saint Augustine Beach | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |