Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Riverside, California, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Riverside's typically warm Cfa climate, residents face heightened UV exposure, especially during midday hours when levels can reach a maximum of 12. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience in this beautiful region.
The day begins gently with a UV Index of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure. However, as the clock strikes 09:00, the index rises to 3, signifying a gradual increase in UV intensity. By 10:00, it reaches 5, and the sun takes center stage at 11:00 with a striking 8. The peak arrives at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 10, and continues to climb, hitting its pinnacle with a dazzling 12 at 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, values begin a slow descent: 11 at 14:00, 10 at 15:00, and then dropping to 7 by 16:00. The evening brings relief, with the index tapering down to 4 at 17:00, 2 at 18:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Remember to stay protected during those 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which significantly impacts exposure and burn time. From January's moderate UV Index of 5 with a burn time of 30 minutes, we enter a period of increasing risk; February through April sees a jump into the very high category, consistently reaching 8 to 10. The height of summer marks the peak danger, with May through July classified as extreme (UV Index 11 to 12), where just 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. August returns to an extreme level before tapering off in September and October to a very high index of 10 and 8 respectively. November and December bring a return to high and moderate levels, with more forgiving burn times of 25 and 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, particularly during the high-risk months of February through October, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Riverside | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |