Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Westlake, United States, where the climate typically falls under zone Dfa. With UV levels reaching a peak of 10 during midday, awareness of these numbers can help you protect your skin from harmful exposure and prevent sunburn. In a region where sunny days are prevalent, recognizing the importance of UV Index readings can significantly enhance your skin health and overall well-being. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, knowing when to seek shade can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin against high levels of ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 9 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with peak levels reached in late spring and summer. The highest risk months are from April to September, where the UV Index often exceeds 8, categorized as very high. Particularly, May through August sees a consistent UV Index of 10, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, February, November, and December have much lower UV levels, with burn times spiking up to 45 minutes during December. To protect against skin damage, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westlake | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
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 |