Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in St. Petersburg, Florida, is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the sun's rays can pose significant risks, particularly during the peak hours around midday. The UV Index can reach levels as high as 11, indicating a need for protective measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Being aware of the UV levels helps residents and visitors enjoy the beautiful sunshine while taking necessary precautions to protect themselves—and their skin—from the ultraviolet radiation common in this vibrant coastal city.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 11 | 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 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 |