Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Jacksonville, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially given our sunny, humid Cfa climate. With peak UV levels reaching a dangerous 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Frequent exposure to high UV levels, especially in the summer months, means that residents and visitors must take proactive measures to safeguard their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Stay informed and stay safe—your skin will thank you!
As the sun ascends, the UV Index begins to climb, marking a significant shift in the day's exposure. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index surges to 3 by 09:00. However, the real intensity kicks in around 10:00, where it reaches 6. The peak occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, with a blazing 10 and a scorching 11, making it essential to take precautions against sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and then cascading down to 6 by 16:00. By evening, UV exposure diminishes significantly, settling back to 2 at 18:00 and down to 1 by 19:00. Remember, during the midday hours, staying protected is key to enjoying the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 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 | 6 | 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 fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the summer months. Notably, from May to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, warranting heightened caution. March and April also present high risk with very high categories (8-10) and burn times of 15 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore March through August, requiring visitors and residents to take preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December experience lower UV levels with moderate to high exposure categories, offering some respite, yet protective measures are still recommended on sunnier days. Stay informed and stay safe under the sun!
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 |
| Jacksonville | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |