Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Girdwood, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health, especially in a region where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential knowledge for both residents and visitors. With Girdwood's Dfc climate, the UV Index often peaks between 11 AM and 2 PM, reaching levels as high as 7, which is considered high risk. Embrace the beauty of the outdoors while staying informed and safe under the sun!
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for an early morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by 9:00 AM and escalates to 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in at 11:00 AM, peaking at 6 and then soaring to its maximum of 7 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, making midday the time to seek shelter or apply sunscreen generously. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, 5 at 4:00 PM, and gradually descending to 2 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic shift in UV levels underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring from May to August, when the UV Index reaches levels of 6 or 7 and the exposure category is classified as high, indicating a burn time of only 25 minutes. This means that during these months, residents and visitors should take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. The months of March and April also show moderate levels of UV exposure, prompting individuals to remain vigilant with sun protection measures, as burn times decrease to 30 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, October, November, and December present a lower UV index, categorized as low, allowing for longer exposure times of about 45 minutes before sunburn occurs. Awareness of these seasonal variations is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girdwood | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 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 |