Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Somerville, United States, where the climate presents unique sun exposure risks. As the UV Index often reaches high levels—peaking at 11 during the summer months—being aware of UV levels can significantly help in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Consistent exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. With Somerville's humid subtropical climate, where sunny days are common, recognizing when UV levels are elevated is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely. Equip yourself with this knowledge to safeguard your health while soaking up the sun!
The UV Index for the day presents a fascinating variation as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the intensity gradually escalates, reaching a moderate 4 by 09:00. The peak hits at 12:00 and 13:00, soaring to an intense 11, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline, tapering to 8 at 15:00, and by the evening, it plummets back to a 1 by 18:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 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 |
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 |