Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Greensboro, as it serves as a vital tool for sun safety and skin health. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 11 during midday hours, awareness is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Greensboro's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) contributes to significant UV exposure, especially in summer, making it important to check the UV Index regularly. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the sun responsibly while protecting your skin and overall well-being.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic increase, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a very high level of solar radiation. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with a UV Index of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, values soar to 9 at 11 AM, signaling it's time to take precautions. After the peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, then tapering off to 3 by 5 PM and resting back down to 1 by 6 PM. Staying protected in the midday sun is crucial for skin safety during these hours!
| 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 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises from a moderate level of 4 to a high 7, indicating the need for increased sun protection. The months of March through August are notably high-risk, as the UV Index remains in the very high to extreme category, reaching a peak of 11 in May through August, with a burn time of only 10 minutes; therefore, individuals should practice stringent sun safety, including wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen frequently. As we move into September and October, the UV Index decreases but remains a concern, especially in September with a UV of 10. By November and December, the levels drop back to moderate (4) and high (6), allowing for a temporary respite. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during the high-risk months and adopt protective measures against harmful UV exposure, particularly from March through October.
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 |
| Greensboro | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |