Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Clearwater, Florida, where sunshine is a delightful staple of life. With peak UV levels reaching 11 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Clearwater enjoys a humid subtropical climate that often translates to vigorous sun exposure, making it essential to check the UV Index regularly. By being informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, ensuring your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
During the day, the UV Index exhibits a striking pattern as it peaks in the late morning and early afternoon. Starting from a modest value of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching 3 by 09:00. Expect a sharp increase around 10:00, when it soars to 5, and it doesn't stop there; by noon, it hits an impressive 10. The highest point of the day occurs at 13:00, with a peak of 11, indicating a critical time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, falling to 10 at 14:00 and tapering off to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the UV Index diminishes steadily, finishing the day back at 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during the high noon hours when UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, highlighting the importance of sun protection for both visitors and residents. January and December see moderate levels (UV Index of 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February ramps up to a high level (Index 7), decreasing burn time to 25 minutes. The high-risk months are clearly defined from March through August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11) in May, June, and July, requiring caution with an effective burn time of just 10 minutes. April also registers a very high rating (10) with a 15-minute burn time, and August slightly decreases to a very high level again at 10. As autumn approaches, September (UV 9) and October (UV 8) remain critical, while November drops to a high UV Index of 6. In light of these variations, it is crucial for everyone to consider applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, particularly from March to August when the risk of skin damage is significantly heightened.
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 |
| Clearwater | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |