Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the vibrant city of Miami, understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone who enjoys the sun-filled lifestyle. With its tropical climate, Miami sees high UV levels, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM when values can soar to 11, indicating extreme risk. Being aware of the UV Index helps residents and visitors alike take crucial steps to prevent sunburn and protect their skin health, ensuring outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. As you explore the beaches or stroll through the city, staying informed about UV levels equips you to minimize potential harm from prolonged sun exposure.
The UV Index for the day starts gently, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. A significant surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where it escalates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with figures dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then to 7 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, high UV levels call for precautions, especially in the midday sun!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations. The high-risk months, characterized by extreme UV levels and minimal burn times, are May through August, with June and July reaching a peak UV Index of 12 and an urgent burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level of 4 in January to an extreme of 11 in May, then gradually declines again in fall and winter. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risks of skin damage from UV exposure. In contrast, during the moderate months of November and December, exposure is less critical, but protective measures are still recommended. Stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
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 |
| Miami | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |