Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, especially given its humid subtropical climate (Cfa), which can lead to heightened UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 between noon and 1 PM, being aware of these numbers helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin health, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable while mitigating risks associated with sun exposure. Stay informed and stay safe under the Alabama sun!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. Notably, from May to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, indicating a high risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months, especially January and December, see moderate UV levels of 4, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. The months of February and March also present heightened risks with UV indices of 6 and 8, respectively, highlighting the necessity for caution as spring approaches. Residents and visitors are advised to protect their skin during April to September when the UV values are particularly elevated. Measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Muscle Shoals | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |