Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of La Mesa, United States, where optimal sunshine and warm temperatures create an inviting outdoor atmosphere. With UV levels peaking at midday, awareness of rising UV exposure is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. La Mesa's BWk climate typically brings strong sun throughout the year, making it vital to monitor UV readings and take necessary precautions. Stay informed and protect yourself to enjoy all the beauty that La Mesa has to offer while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index for today presents a dynamic picture of sun intensity throughout the hours. Starting off gently, it peaks at 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. The sun makes its presence felt, reaching 4 at 09:00 and 6 by 10:00. *As noon approaches, the UV Index escalates to a striking 12, hitting its zenith at *1 PM with a scorching 13. As the day progresses, there's a slight decline, dropping to 12 at 2 PM, followed by a decrease to 10 by 3 PM. The intensity subsides further to 7 at 4 PM, gently tapering off to 4 at 5 PM, before descending back to 2 at 6 PM, and finally slipping to 1 as the sun sets at 7 PM. It's a day to embrace the sun while practicing sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 |