Last updated: July 2, 2025
In sunny Miami, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its tropical climate, Miami experiences high UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, where readings can soar to 11 or higher. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin from harmful effects, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your health. Whether you're at the beach or exploring the vibrant city, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help you stay safe and sun-smart!
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of a sun-drenched day. Starting off gently at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the intensity gradually increases, reaching a moderate 2 by 9:00 AM. As noon approaches, the sun’s rays become more potent, peaking at a striking 10 at 12:00 PM, then hitting a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This period marks the highest risk for sun exposure, advising vigilant protection. The afternoon sees the UV Index decline, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM, before tapering off to a soft 3 by 6:00 PM, and finally returning to 1 after 7:00 PM. It's a day where sun safety is paramount, especially during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |