Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ka'anapali, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and preventing painful sunburns. With its tropical climate, this beautiful destination presents unique challenges when it comes to sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, when the UV Index can soar to dangerously high levels of 12. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, ensuring enjoyable and safe experiences under the warm Hawaiian sun. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes, a little knowledge about UV exposure can go a long way in safeguarding your skin.
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 |
| Ka'anapali | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 |