Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Mountain View, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels can significantly help in sunburn prevention, ensuring your skin remains healthy and resilient against the sun's damaging effects. With a Cfb climate characterized by mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the Index soars to a maximum of 14 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe and sound.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 1, but by 08:00, it noticeably climbs to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives at 12:00, hitting an intense 14—a time when protective measures are crucial. From 11:00 to 13:00, the index remains dangerously high, with 12 and 13 respectively, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. Gradually, the intensity subsides, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and further decreasing to 8 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, as the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, and diminishes to 1 at 18:00, finally settling at 0 by 19:00. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of staying vigilant about UV exposure throughout the day!
| 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 | 14 | 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 | 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 |