Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Riverside, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your health under the vibrant California sun. Understanding UV levels can significantly help in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the risk is highest. With a Dfa climate, Riverside experiences hot summers and ample sunlight, making it essential to keep an eye on UV exposure. Peak UV levels can reach as high as 11 around midday, emphasizing the need for protective measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the potential damage from harmful UV rays.
As the day progresses, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and hitting 5 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, recording an 8, before soaring to its maximum of 10 at noon. After the midday peak, the index begins to decline but still remains significant with a 10 at 3:00 PM and dips to 7 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV radiation decreases, trailing off to a 3 at 6:00 PM and finally settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM, marking a gradual end to the day’s sun exposure. Stay protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly in April through July, the UV index reaches notably high levels, peaking at 11, which indicates extreme exposure risks and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As the seasons shift, visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from May to August, when protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade are essential to prevent skin damage. In contrast, January, November, and December present a moderate UV index of 3-4, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes, though sunscreen should still be applied. Staying informed about these UV changes can help ensure safe outdoor activities 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 |
| Riverside | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |