Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Ana, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city’s warm Cfa climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 11 around 1 PM. Being aware of UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful California sunshine while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure. Remember, a little vigilance can go a long way in maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for a leisurely morning. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling that it's time to enjoy some shade. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a maximum index of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Continuing at 13:00 and 14:00, the index holds steady at 11, urging caution with the midday sun blazing down. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down with a gentle 1 at 19:00, marking a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Be sure to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring during the spring and summer months. From March to August, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 12 in July. This indicates a significant reduction in safe exposure time, particularly during April to June, where the burn time is only 10 minutes under extreme conditions. Conversely, the winter months show a decline in UV exposure, with January and December classified as moderate, offering burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and utilize appropriate sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially from March through October, when UV levels rise and the risk of harmful effects increases dramatically.
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 |
| Santa Anna | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |