Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Monterey Park, California, where sunny days are plentiful and outdoor activities abound. By monitoring UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, ensuring that your time outdoors is safe and enjoyable. Given Monterey Park's BSk climate, which brings warm and dry summers with significant sun exposure, awareness of the UV Index is vital. With peak values reaching up to 12 during midday hours, taking precautions against harmful UV rays becomes essential for maintaining your well-being.
Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with peak levels occurring from March to September. During this period, particularly in April to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, making these the highest risk months for sun exposure. For instance, April and May have UV Index values of 11 and 12, respectively, allowing only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before burns may occur. Conversely, months like January and December show a moderate UV Index of 4, where the burn time extends to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive sun safety measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk 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 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Monterey Park | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |