Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Lakeland, United States, where the warm Cfa climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. With UV levels reaching a stratospheric 11 at peak times, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and safeguarding your long-term skin health. By tracking the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays during the sunniest hours, ultimately enjoying the beautiful Florida outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index steadily climbs as the day progresses, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM. Sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts should be mindful, as the index hits a high of 10 at 12:00 PM, signaling significant UV exposure. After this peak, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continuing to decline to 1 by 7:00 PM. For safe sun enjoyment, it’s best to take precautions during those high UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Remember to sport your hats and sunscreen!
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. April and May both feature a very high UV Index of 10, while June and July reach an extreme level of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time decreases significantly during these months, dropping to just 10 minutes in June and July. Conversely, UV levels are moderate in January, November, and December, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of overexposure. Awareness of these UV changes is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Lakeland | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |