Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kahalu'u, Hawaii, where the tropical climate brings unique sun exposure risks. With UV levels typically peaking around noon—reaching a staggering 12—being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The intense sun can lead to serious skin damage if precautions are not taken, so monitoring the UV Index helps everyone in Kahalu'u enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of your time in this sun-soaked paradise!
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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the summer months. February through October marks a period of high to extreme UV levels, with particularly high risk from March to September, when the Index reaches as high as 13. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during these months, as the burn time drops to just 10 minutes under extreme conditions. In contrast, January and December offer relatively safer exposure levels, with a UV Index of 7. To minimize the risk of UV-related damage, it is crucial for individuals to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during the high-risk months, particularly between midday and early afternoon when the sun's rays are strongest.
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 |
| Kahalu'u | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |