Last updated: June 2, 2025
In La Mesa, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides essential data on the strength of harmful ultraviolet radiation, helping you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. La Mesa's BWk climate exposes residents to varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at an intense level of 13 in the early afternoon. Understanding these fluctuations not only enhances your outdoor enjoyment but also plays a vital role in preventing skin-related issues, ensuring you can soak up the sun safely.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking at an impressive 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts gently, with a UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun inches higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to 12 by noon. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 3 PM, before settling back to a mild 2 by 6 PM. This clear progression emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe! ☀️
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 variations, with the highest values typically occurring from March to September. This period is particularly critical for sun exposure, as March begins with a UV Index of 10, escalating to a peak of 13 in May, June, and July, and only slightly decreasing to 11 in September. The months of April to August are classified as having an extreme exposure category, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of skin damage. Conversely, in the winter months of January and December, the UV Index lowers to 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise increased caution, particularly in the high-risk months of March to September, ensuring to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit direct sun exposure, especially during midday 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| La Mesa | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |