Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Eureka, United States, as it plays a crucial role in protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels typically peaking during midday hours, being aware of these fluctuations helps in preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Eureka's BSk climate, characterized by cool and dry conditions, can still present unique UV exposure risks, especially during the sunnier months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the day progresses, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM, and 5 by 9:00 AM, indicating a need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 12, marking the highest risk period between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where applying sunscreen is crucial to avoid harm. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, as the index drops to 11 by 2:00 PM and slides to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index continues to lessen, landing at 3 by 5:00 PM and settling back to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay sun-safe during the midday hours when the UV levels are at their peak!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 notable fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily falling between March and August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 12 in June and July, categorizing the exposure as extreme, necessitating precautions such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, as the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. March and April also exhibit very high UV levels of 9, reducing safe exposure to 15 minutes. As summer fades into fall, UV levels gradually decline, easing the risk, but October still presents a high index of 7, requiring vigilance. For residents and visitors alike, it is crucial to monitor the UV Index and take appropriate protective measures, especially during the height of summer.
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 |
| Eureka | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |