Last updated: May 3, 2025
In West Palm Beach, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With its tropical climate, this vibrant locale experiences high UV levels, peaking at an intense 12 during midday hours—an important reminder for residents and visitors alike to be sun-smart. Awareness of UV Index values helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to plan outdoor activities accordingly. As you enjoy the sun-soaked beaches and lush landscapes of West Palm Beach, keep an eye on the UV Index to protect your skin and maintain your health.
The UV Index today showcases a significant rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting modestly at 1 at 07:00, it gradually escalates to a dangerous peak of 12 by 13:00, marking the most critical hours for sun exposure. This midday intensity encourages sun protection, with sunscreen and protective clothing highly recommended. Fortunately, the index begins to taper off after the peak, descending to 9 at 15:00 and further down to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely, especially between 11:00 and 14:00 when the sun's rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure reflect significant shifts in the UV Index. From January to March, the UV Index rises from a high level of 6 to a very high 10, indicating a growing risk for skin damage. The months of April through September present the most critical danger, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 12, where the burn time diminishes to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, October sees a drop to 10 (very high), before conditions moderate in November and December, with indexes falling to 7 and 5, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from April to September. It is essential to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade to safeguard against skin damage during these periods of heightened UV intensity.
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 Palm Beach | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |