Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Port Aransas is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun while prioritizing their skin health. As the UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, being aware of these changes helps residents and visitors prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cfa climate zone, Port Aransas experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at levels 10 and 11. With the sun shining brightly and coastal adventures calling, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safe fun in the sun!
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 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 | 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, the UV Index reveals notable seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. High-risk months typically span from February to September, with March through August showing extreme UV levels of 11 to 12, where the burn time significantly decreases to just 10 minutes. In particular, April, May, June, July, and August are critical, maintaining this extreme classification. Visitors and residents are urged to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. As the year progresses, UV levels taper off, with November showing a high index of 7 and December reducing to a moderate 5, allowing for safer sun exposure conditions.
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 |
| Port Aransas | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |