Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rock Creek, United States, where the climate typically falls within the Cfa (humid subtropical) zone. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 around midday, it's essential to grasp the implications for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Effective awareness of UV levels not only helps in scheduling outdoor activities safely but also aids in protecting your skin from harmful rays, especially during the summer months. As the sun shines bright and the days stretch longer, being informed about local UV exposure risks can make a significant difference in ensuring your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.
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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months and indicating the best precautions for sun exposure. January and December see moderate UV levels (Index 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. February marks the transition to high UV levels (Index 7) and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk period begins in March, escalating to very high levels (Index 8 and higher) in April and an extreme UV Index of 11 from May through August. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, limiting sun exposure to just 10 minutes and using protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade to prevent skin damage. Risk levels decrease in September and October, providing some relief, though caution should still be exercised given the high index readings. In summary, stay vigilant during the peak months of May to August, ensuring safe sun practices to guard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Rock Creek | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |