Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Zephyr Cove, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a climate that features mild, Mediterranean-like summers, the sun can be deceptively intense, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest point of 12 around noon. Being aware of the UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Whether you're lounging by the lake or hiking nearby trails, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the great outdoors safely.
The UVI hourly data paints a vivid picture of a sun-soaked day. Starting the morning slowly, the UV Index climbs to 1 at 07:00, gradually reaching 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the sun intensifies, peaking at a blazing 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This is when the risk of overexposure is greatest, so plan accordingly! By the afternoon, it starts to taper off slightly, settling at 11 by 14:00 and descending to 9 by 15:00. As the sun begins to dip, the UV Index drops to a more manageable 4 at 17:00, and finally eases back to 1 by 19:00. Enjoy the sun, but don't forget to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV radiation levels, significantly impacting both residents and visitors. From January to December, the UV Index transitions from a moderate 4 in January to a peak of 13 in May, indicating extreme exposure. The high-risk months, particularly March to August, showcase very high to extreme UV levels, with March reaching 9 and May peaking at 13, both requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, it is crucial to take precautions like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. As the year progresses into October, the UV Index decreases to a moderate 7, providing some relief. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and protect their skin accordingly throughout the year, focusing especially on the high-risk summer months.
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 |
| Zephyr Cove | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |