Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Rafael, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health, especially with its characteristic BSk climate that brings sunny days and heightened UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 12 during midday hours, this vibrant city reminds residents and visitors alike of the importance of staying informed about UV risks. Proper awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Californian sunshine while taking the necessary precautions to protect 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being April through September when the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. This period sees a dramatic drop in safe burn time to just 10 minutes, indicating strong precaution is necessary. In contrast, January and December represent the lowest risk months with a moderate exposure category and longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months: applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize harmful UV exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days or during cooler months, UV rays can still pose a risk, so it's essential to stay informed and protected year-round.
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 |
| San Rafael | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |