UV Index in Roanoke, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Roanoke, Virginia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 in the summer months, understanding these variations helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Roanoke's Cfa climate offers warm summers that can pose significant UV exposure risks, making it essential to recognize when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely without compromising your skin’s health.

Hourly UV Index in Roanoke

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb gently, peaking at a moderate 1 at 7:00 AM and maintaining that level until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity sharply rises to 5, and by midday, it reaches a remarkable 9. The afternoon sees the UV Index soar to its maximum of 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index gradually declines, hitting 7 at 4:00 PM and settling to a safer 2 by 6:00 PM, before returning to 1 after sunset. This fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:001low45 min
09:002low45 min
10:005moderate30 min
11:007high25 min
12:009very high15 min
13:0011extreme10 min
14:0011extreme10 min
15:009very high15 min
16:007high25 min
17:005moderate30 min
18:002low45 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Roanoke

As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which significantly impacts exposure levels throughout the year. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, February ramps up to a high index of 7, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months, from March through August, experience extreme UV levels, particularly in May and June, where the UV Index reaches 11 and burn times shrink to just 10 minutes. September and October see a slight decrease, yet still maintain a very high index of 9 and 8, respectively. The year concludes with lower levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should take special care during the high-risk months from March to August, ensuring proper sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Roanoke, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Roanoke. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47810111111119864
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Roanoke, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Roanoke UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Roanoke compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Roanoke's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Chicago UVI34689101098642
Brooklyn UVI35681010998642
New York City UVI35681010998642
Los Angeles UVI46891011111010754
Roanoke47810111111119864
Houston UVI589111112121110975