Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Section, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding the UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors safely. With a Cfa climate that typically features warm summers and moderate UV exposure, it's important to recognize that during peak hours—especially between 10 AM and 2 PM—UV levels can soar, reaching a dangerous 11 on the index. Being mindful of these fluctuations can empower you to take the necessary precautions, enabling you to soak up the sun responsibly.
The UV Index today presents a dynamic range of exposure throughout the day. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it begins its ascent as the sun rises. By 9:00 AM, the index reaches 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, soaring to 11, which highlights the urgent need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, values taper off, with 10 at 2:00 PM and dropping to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index sinks back to 1, signaling safer conditions post-sunset. Taking precautionary measures during peak hours is essential to enjoy a safe and sunny day!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The highest risk months are from May to August, when the UV Index peaks at an extreme level of 11, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, March and April also present high risks with indices reaching 8 and 10, respectively. Conversely, the winter months of January and December have a moderate UV Index of 4, with longer burn times of 30 minutes. To protect yourself during high UV months, it is essential for both visitors and residents to apply sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly from late spring through summer.
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 |
Section | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |