Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Waimea, United States, where sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels peaking midday, reaching a high of 13 at noon, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and reducing long-term skin damage. Given Waimea's tropical climate and its proximity to intense sunlight, being informed about UV risks can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. From morning to afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin while basking in the island sun.
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 |
Waimea | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |