Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Westlake, United States, where the sunny climate can lead to heightened exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels often reaching dangerous heights, awareness of these fluctuations can be the key to preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. In Westlake’s humid subtropical climate, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen is essential, especially during midday when the UV Index soars to 11. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from long-term damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 3, but the real escalation hits by 10:00, reaching 6 as sunlight intensifies. The peak occurs at 12:00 with an impressive 11, and it edges even higher to 12 at 13:00, marking the day's highest UV exposure. This powerful sun begins to wane slightly, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and 9 by 15:00, before gently tapering off to a more manageable 7 at 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to 4 at 17:00, then continues to decline, settling back to 2 at 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sunny hours while being mindful of the UV intensity!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 in the summer months. From January (UV Index 5) to February (UV Index 8), there's a clear increase, with March and April maintaining high levels (UV Index 9-10). May through August sees the highest readings, particularly reaching UV Index 12 in June and July, indicating extreme exposure risk, where skin can burn within just 10 minutes. As the year transitions to September and October, the UV Index begins to decline but remains in the very high category until November (UV Index 6) and finally returns to moderate in December. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious between February and August—the high-risk months for UV exposure—by implementing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Westlake | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |