UV Index in Oakland, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Oakland, United States, where the combination of a Cfa climate and outdoor lifestyle increases the risk of sun exposure. As UV levels can spike dramatically throughout the day—reaching a peak of 11 around noon—awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By tracking the UV Index, Oaklanders can take proactive measures to protect themselves, ensuring that they enjoy the sunny days while minimizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Oakland

The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Oakland

The UV index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring between May and August. During these months, the UV index reaches an extreme level of 11, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. March and April also present very high levels (UV index 8-10), where individuals should take extra care with a burn time of 15 minutes. Conversely, the low-risk months are January and December when the index falls to 4, where the burn time extends to 30 minutes, and February and November show a high risk with an index of 6 and burn time of 25 minutes. To protect against harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from March to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Oakland, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Oakland. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Oakland, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Oakland UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Oakland compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Oakland's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Oakland	4	6	8	10	11	11	11	10	10	8	6	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5