Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Lahaina, United States, where sun exposure is a significant part of the lifestyle. Being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect against long-term skin damage, ensuring that you enjoy the outdoors safely. Situated in a tropical climate, Lahaina experiences intense sun exposure, particularly during midday hours, when UV Index values can soar as high as 13. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while fully enjoying the beauty of this coastal paradise.
The UV Index exposure throughout the day exhibits a striking progression, peaking at 13 around noon. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually escalates, hitting 3 by 8 AM. As the morning unfolds, it climbs to 5 by 9 AM, reaching a significant 9 by 10 AM. The afternoon sun intensifies, culminating in a maximum value of 11 at 11 AM before surging to its zenith at 12 PM. Following the high point, the index gradually declines, dropping to 12 at 1 PM, and tapering off to 10, 7, and finally 4 by mid to late afternoon. As the sun sets, the UV Index diminishes further, resting at 1 by 6 PM and continuing through 7 PM. It’s advisable to take precautions during peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM, to ensure safety under the sun.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Lahaina | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 |