Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Somerville, United States, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. As a city known for its vibrant climate, Somerville experiences varying levels of UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to 10. With a climate classified as Cfa, which means humid subtropical conditions, residents must be aware of the heightened risks associated with UV radiation. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects, ensuring that outdoor activities can be both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic shift throughout the day, starting at a moderate 1 at 07:00 and gradually escalating. By 10:00, it peaks at a striking 7, but the real intensity sets in just a couple of hours later, reaching a maximum of 10 at both 12:00 and 13:00. This level indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, falling to 7 by 15:00, and tapering off to a mild 3 by 17:00. By the evening hours, it drops back to a benign 1, signaling a welcome reduction in UV intensity. Remember, during the peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 13:00, it's crucial to protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting exposure for both residents and visitors. From January to April, the UV Index steadily increases from a moderate level of 4 in January to a very high level of 10 in April, indicating a critical period for sun safety as March and April experience burn times of just 15 minutes. May and June maintain extreme UV conditions with an index peaking at 11, resulting in a mere 10-minute burn time—the highest risk months of the year. July continues with similar extremes before a gradual decline starts in August, with the index at 10. The fall months, September and October, still present very high UV levels (up to 9), but burn times increase back to 15-25 minutes. By November and December, exposure returns to moderate levels of 4-6 with longer burn times of 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proper precautions from March through August, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Somerville | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |