Last updated: July 2, 2025
In St. Petersburg, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during the intense midday hours when the index peaks at 12. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm summers and ample sunshine, residents and visitors alike face heightened exposure risks from UV radiation. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises on this beautiful day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually creeping up to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The heat peaks around noon, reaching a sizzling 10 at 12:00 PM, and quickly escalates to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the time to seek shade! However, as the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity tapers off, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then declining to 5 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the index continues to decrease, ending the day at a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, reaching its peak during the summer months of June and July, with an extreme UV Index of 12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend from February through September, where values consistently register high to extreme levels. Specifically, April and May see sustained extreme conditions with an index of 11, indicating that extended outdoor activities should come with caution. Residents and visitors are advised to take proactive measures by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during these high-risk months, particularly from March through September when the potential for harmful UV exposure is greatest. As we move towards October and November, UV levels decrease, allowing for safer outdoor activities, although awareness should always remain a priority.
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 |
| St. Petersburg | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |