Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Mountain View, United States, where the climate offers plenty of sunshine. Being aware of UV levels, which can soar as high as 13 during midday hours, is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Given that Mountain View experiences a temperate climate (Cfb) with potential peak UV exposure risks from late morning to early afternoon, it’s vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely.
As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches its peak intensity around 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 13—a clear signal for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually escalating to 6 by 09:00 AM and hitting 9 at 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the sun begins to assert itself with a 12. However, as the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity starts to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to a mere 2 by 5:00 PM. As daylight diminishes, the UV Index dwindles to 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a much-needed respite from the sun’s relentless rays. Always be vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with peak levels occurring during the warmer months. From February to September, the UV Index remains consistently high, reaching an extreme level of 14 in both July and August. The high-risk months for UV exposure are notably from February through October, where a burn time of just 10 minutes can result in skin damage. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As we approach the lower UV levels of November and December, with a UV Index of 8 and a longer burn time of 15 minutes, the risk remains substantial, but overall it's essential to stay vigilant year-round for UV safety.
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 |
| Mountain View | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |