Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tracy, United States is crucial for everyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially during the sunniest times of the day. The UV Index provides valuable insight into the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, helping residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. With Tracy's Dfa climate, which offers warm summers and ample sunshine, awareness of UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage during peak exposure hours, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when the UV Index soars to levels as high as 10. Stay informed and enjoy Tracy's sunny days safely!
Starting off the day, the UV Index at 7:00 AM was a safe 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rose higher, it peaked at a striking 10 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a significant risk for harmful effects on unprotected skin. The intensity of UV radiation began to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM and steadily decreasing to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approached, the index fell further to 2 at 6:00 PM and capped the day at a low 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly trend highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV Index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the late spring and summer months. April marks the start of this high-risk season with a UV Index of 8, classified as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This peak intensity continues through June when the UV Index reaches 10, before slightly decreasing in September. Notably, May, June, July, and August are critical months where the UV Index remains consistently at 9 or 10, posing a considerable risk for sunburn and skin damage. As a precaution, visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, particularly during peak sun hours. In contrast, the UV Index significantly drops in the fall and winter, with January, February, and March presenting moderate risks, and December experiencing a low UV index, making sun protection less critical during that time.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |