Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of West Bradenton, United States, where sunny days enhance outdoor activities but also elevate the risk of harmful UV exposure. The level of ultraviolet radiation varies throughout the day, peaking around midday with values reaching 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Knowing these UV levels helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With the typical Cfa climate, characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunshine, it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful weather while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, where it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the index accelerates to a moderate 5, but it’s at 11:00 AM that the heat intensifies, reaching 8. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering value of 10, followed by the highest point of the day at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it maxes out at 12. After this peak, the index gradually declines: it drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease to 7 at 4:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the intensity wanes, falling to 5 at 5:00 PM and back down to 2 by 6:00 PM, before settling at 1 again as day turns to dusk by 7:00 PM. Remember to shield yourself during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | 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 |
| West Bradenton | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |