Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Waikoloa, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the UV levels can significantly mitigate risks of sunburn and long-term skin health issues, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunshine safely. With a climate that promotes consistent UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a staggering 14, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin while relishing the outdoor activities that Waikoloa offers.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, but the real surge comes between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it hits a striking 14 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during these peak hours, especially at 11:00 AM when it peaks at 12. Post-lunchtime, the intensity starts to wane; the index drops to 11 at 2:00 PM, and continues its descent down to a mere 1 by 6:00 PM, before finally resting at 0 by 7:00 PM. Plan your day accordingly and take care to shield yourself from those intense rays during the 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | 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 |
| Waikoloa | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |