Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dothan, United States, where sunny days are abundant in the Cfa climate zone. As UV levels can soar to a maximum of 11 by midday, being aware of these levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote long-term skin health. High UV exposure during the warmer months increases the risk of skin damage, making it essential for Dothan locals and visitors alike to stay informed. Regularly checking the UV Index helps safeguard your skin against harmful rays, ensuring you can enjoy the sunshine while staying protected.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity. At 7:00 AM, the day begins with a gentle UVI of 1, making it safe for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 2, still in the low range. As the sun climbs higher, the index jumps to 4 at 9:00 AM, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index soars to an alarming 11, highlighting the need for sun protection during these hours. Fortunately, as the afternoon progresses, the levels start to decline, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and then to 7 and 5 through 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, it settles back to 2, and by 6:00 PM, a return to the safer 1 concludes a day dominated by high UV intensity. Remember, at high levels, sun safety is vital!
| 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 | 5 | 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 |
| Dothan | 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 |