Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Fairbanks, United States, where the combination of high latitude and clear skies can lead to significant sun exposure, especially during the long summer days. With UV levels peaking at a moderate 5 between noon and 3 PM, awareness is not just about preventing painful sunburns; it’s a vital step in safeguarding your skin's health for the long term. Given Fairbanks' Dfc climate—characterized by cold winters and mild summers—it's essential to stay informed about daily UV risks to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage. Ensure you're ready to soak up the sun safely by checking the UV Index regularly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 2, signaling the arrival of a brighter day. The real heat kicks in around 11:00 AM, with the index peaking at 5 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, urging everyone to seek shade as the intensity of the sun reaches its zenith. Fortunately, the levels gradually taper off in the afternoon, dipping back to 3 by 5:00 PM, and settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. This hourly progression highlights the importance of sun safety during midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From January to March, the UV Index remains low, ranging from 1 to 2, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. As spring arrives in April, the index increases to 3, marking the beginning of moderate exposure, where burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The summer months of May through August are particularly high-risk, with a UV Index consistently at 5, necessitating caution and limited exposure time of just 30 minutes. In September, the index dips back to 3, then falls to low levels again by October through December, where it is back to 1, bringing longer burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months of May through August, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |