Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Galveston, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing harmful sunburns. Understanding the levels of UV radiation can empower you to take necessary precautions, especially during the summer months when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Galveston's Cfa climate means warm summers and high UV exposure, peaking at a significant UV Index of 12 between noon and 1 PM. Being aware of these levels not only helps in safeguarding your skin but also enhances your outdoor enjoyment while minimizing risks associated with overexposure to the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00 and maintaining that low level through to 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 3, signaling that the midday sun is on its way. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, soaring to a staggering 11, making this the most perilous hour for skin exposure. Just after, it reaches its zenith at 13:00 with an impressive 12 before gradually tapering off throughout the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 10, and in the following hours, it descends further to 7 at 16:00 and down to a safer 2 by 18:00. As dusk approaches, the UV risk wanes, leading to a return to 1 by 19:00. Stay protected during the 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, while February and March jump to 8 and 9, respectively, indicating very high exposure risks with short burn times of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, but October remains notably high at 9, followed by November with a high category of 7. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months of April through September and remain vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Galveston | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |