Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Clara is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With a climate characterized as semi-arid, residents often experience significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak midday hours. Knowing the UV levels can help you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, especially when the index reaches dangerous highs of 11 and 13 between noon and 1 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the abundant sunshine of Santa Clara while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise in intensity throughout the morning, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, the index reaches 4, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure risk. The peak UV radiation occurs at 13:00, soaring to a concerning 13, suggesting that sun protection is essential during this hour. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dipping to 10 by 15:00 and falling to 1 by 19:00. For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen during peak hours between 11:00 and 14:00 to ensure safety under the sun.
| 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 | 11 | 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 Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September when the index reaches its peak at 13 during June and July, classified as extreme exposure, necessitating careful sun protection strategies. In contrast, the lower risk months of January and December show a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to be vigilant and limit their sun exposure during the high-risk months of February through September, particularly during the peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Santa Clara | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |