Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ridgecrest, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking at 11 around midday, awareness of these metrics is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Cfa climate of Ridgecrest means plenty of sunshine, but it also comes with increased risks of UV exposure, particularly during the summer months. So whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or just soaking in the sun, keeping a close eye on the UV Index can help you protect yourself while enjoying the beautiful California weather.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it hits 4, signaling a moderate increase. The real ascent occurs from 10:00 onward, peaking at an intense 12 by 13:00, where sun protection becomes essential. This peak is followed by a brief dip, as the index drops to 9 at 15:00, before tapering off towards the evening. As the day comes to a close, UV levels reduce to 3 at 17:00 and settle back to 1 by 19:00, highlighting the critical hours for sun exposure between 11:00 and 14:00. Stay safe and protect your skin during those peak UV times!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for sun exposure are from March to August, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 12, necessitating a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially in these months, ensuring they apply sunscreen frequently, seek shade, and wear protective clothing. As the seasons transition, September and October still show elevated levels at 10 and 8, respectively, marking them as considerable months for UV exposure. It’s advised to remain vigilant even in the cooler months; while January and December pose a lower risk with UV Index levels of 5 and 4, adopting sun safety practices year-round is crucial for skin protection.
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 |
Ridgecrest | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |