Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ashford, United States, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With a climate characterized by humid subtropical conditions, locals face significant risks of overexposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, particularly during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the index can soar to levels of 11. By familiarizing yourself with daily UV levels, you can take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoor climate that Ashford has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a fascinating journey of intensity. Starting off mellow at 07:00 with a UV Index of 1, the day gradually warms up as the sun climbs higher, reaching a peak of 11 by 12:00 and 13:00. This is the critical period where protection from the sun becomes essential, as the UV rays are at their strongest. Following this zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00, then gradually tapering off to 7 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades, it cools down again to 4 at 16:00 and settles back to a gentle 2 by 17:00. By 18:00, it’s a mere 1, marking the close of a day that highlighted the sun's powerful rays. Always remember, during those peak hours, a little extra sun protection goes a long way!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with high-risk months primarily falling between February and August. Notably, April to July feature an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12, necessitating precautions to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes during peak hours. February and March present significant risks as well, with very high UV levels of 8 and 9, leading to burn times of only 15 minutes. To safeguard your skin, residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the year progresses, November and December offer lower UV levels, classified as high and moderate, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Ashford | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |