Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lihue, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its tropical climate, Lihue experiences high UV exposure, especially during midday when levels peak around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Understanding these UV levels not only helps you plan safe outdoor activities but also promotes skin protection strategies, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunshine without jeopardizing your health. Stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking peak in intensity, making sun safety a priority. At 7:00 AM, the day starts off gently with a low index of 1, increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index soars to 8 by 10:00 AM and hits its maximum at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13. This high level persists into the early afternoon, remaining at 13 until 1:00 PM, before beginning a gradual decline. By 3:00 PM, it drops back to 8, and by the late afternoon, the risk diminishes to 2 at 5:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the index returns to a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, peaking during the warmer months. From January to December, the UV Index rises dramatically, reaching an extreme level of 13 from May to August, making these high-risk months for sun exposure. During this period, the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes, indicating the urgent need for protection such as sunscreen and clothing. February and March also present heightened danger, categorized as very high and extreme, respectively, where the burn time sharply decreases. As the year progresses towards October and November, the UV Index begins to decline, but still remains very high at 10 and 8, allowing for burn times of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution and take preventative measures, particularly from February through September, to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
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 |
| Lihue | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |