Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Gateway, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With its Dfc climate, Gateway experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the Index peaks at 7. By monitoring the UV Index and taking necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy all the sunshine this beautiful location has to offer!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it gently climbs to 2 by 9:00 AM, but the real intensity arrives at midday. By 12:00 PM, the index reaches 6, and it continues to soar to its maximum of 7 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually taper off, descending to 5 by 4:00 PM and finally settling back to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV exposure is most potent.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes indicate varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for a safe exposure time of up to 45 minutes. As we transition into March, the index rises to 3, indicating a moderate risk, reducing the safe exposure time to 30 minutes. The risk peaks in May through July with high UV levels (6 and 7), necessitating an exposure limit of just 25 minutes. In August and September, the index returns to moderate levels (5 and 4), allowing for a 30-minute burn time again. As the year concludes, October through December sees a return to low UV levels (1-2), with a safe exposure limit of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of May, June, and July, applying sunscreen and seeking shade to mitigate potential sun damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |