Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Roanoke, United States, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels can help you enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself from harmful radiation. With Roanoke's Cfa climate, residents face unique exposure risks, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV Index readings can soar to 11. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks and enjoy the beautiful Virginia sunshine safely.
The UV Index for the day showcases a significant rise in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index escalates to 2 by 09:00. A marked increase occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where it jumps to 4 and peaks at a striking 9 at noon. The afternoon witnesses even higher levels, reaching a maximum of 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00, signifying a critical time for sun protection. As the sun begins to set, the index gradually declines to 5 at 17:00, and eventually returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It’s essential to take precautions during those peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Roanoke | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |