Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sarasota, Florida, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Cfa climate, Sarasota enjoys warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for sun lovers. However, during peak hours — particularly around noon when the UV Index can soar to 12 — the risk of harmful UV exposure increases significantly. Knowing these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions, ensuring that fun in the sun doesn't come at the expense of skin safety. Don't let the sun catch you off guard; stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Sarasota weather responsibly!
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking in the summer months with levels as high as 12 between May and July, categorized as extreme. The risk of skin damage is notably high from February (UV Index 8) through October (UV Index 9), particularly in April and May when visitors should be especially cautious due to very high to extreme exposures and short burn times of just 10 minutes. It is advisable for residents and visitors to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. In contrast, December sees the lowest UV Index at 5, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 30 minutes with a reduced risk. Staying informed about these seasonal UV changes is crucial for ensuring sun safety throughout the year.
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 |
Sarasota | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |