Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Oakland, United States is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. The UV Index provides a clear measure of sun exposure risk, allowing residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions when planning outdoor activities. With Oakland's Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers, UV levels can climb significantly, peaking around noon with values reaching up to 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying the beauty of this vibrant city.
The UV Index rises swiftly throughout the morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to reach its peak of 10 at 13:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits 9 at 12:00, a clear reminder of the intense midday sun. After this high, the UV levels gradually decrease; by 15:00, they drop to 8 and continue to soften to 3 by 17:00, before safely settling back to a 1 at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun’s rays can be most dangerous. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to keep your skin safe while enjoying the outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, demonstrating a clear seasonal pattern. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from March to September, where the index peaks at 10 in May, June, and July, categorized as very high with a burn time of only 15 minutes. April begins the high-risk period, followed by August and September, both registering at 9 and 8 respectively. In contrast, January, February, October, November, and December present lower risk levels, with the index falling between 2 and 4. To ensure health and safety, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using sunscreen and protective clothing, particularly during the peak months when UV exposure poses significant risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |