Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Honolulu, United States is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With its tropical climate, Honolulu experiences high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, making awareness of UV levels critical for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly at midday when UV Index levels soar to 11 and 12, even short exposure can lead to skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can better protect themselves from the sun's harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic dance of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 3 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, it peaks at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the strongest sun exposure—perfect for a beach day but not without caution! By 15:00, the UV levels begin to retreat, dropping to 7, and continue to fall, reaching 2 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index dwindles further to 0 by 19:00, signifying a gentle end to the day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, peaking at 13 during the summer months of June to August. This period is categorized as extreme, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes for unprotected skin, indicating a high risk for sunburn. Notably, January and February also present very high exposure levels, with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, but longer burn times of 15 minutes. As such, both visitors and residents should take proactive measures to protect themselves during these months, especially between March and September when the UV Index is at its most dangerous. Recommendations include wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Honolulu | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 |