Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sanibel, United States is essential for anyone who loves spending time outdoors in this beautiful coastal paradise. The UV Index provides crucial information about the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, helping residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. With Sanibel's tropical climate, exposure to high UV levels, especially during peak hours around noon, can pose significant risks. As the UV Index climbs to 12, awareness becomes vital to safeguard against harmful effects, ensuring that your beach days remain enjoyable and safe.
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 |
During the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September, where the index peaks at 12, categorized as extreme. This period indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes, making sun protection critically important. February and March also present high risks, with indices of 9 and 10, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. As UV levels drop in the fall and winter months, from October to December, while still significant, the levels decrease to a maximum of 8 in November, allowing for somewhat safer outdoor activities. Always remain vigilant about UV exposure, regardless of the season.
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 |
| Sanibel | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |