Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Beverly Hills, California, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun reaching its peak intensity during the late morning and early afternoon, a high UV Index indicates an increased risk of sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues. This vibrant city, known for its warm Dfb climate, sees average UV levels ranging from 1 to 9 throughout the day, highlighting the importance of staying informed about UV exposure. By being aware of these levels, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin during peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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, particularly peaking in the summer months. From April to August, visitors and residents should be especially vigilant as the UV Index reaches levels classified as very high (9-10), with minimal burn times of only 15 minutes. The highest risk months are June and July, which demand strict sun protection measures. Conversely, the winter months of January and December present lower UV exposure (Index 2), allowing for longer safe sun exposure—45 minutes before burning occurs. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |