Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Santa Clara, California, as it serves as a vital guide to protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 12 at noon, awareness of these fluctuations can make a significant difference in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. Santa Clara's BSk climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, which can lead to increased UV exposure risks, especially during the peak summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to shield yourself and your loved ones, ensuring fun and safe outdoor activities under the sun.
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 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 |