Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Happy Valley, United States, where sunny days often bring increased risks of UV exposure. The UV Index provides critical information about the strength of ultraviolet radiation on any given day, helping you make informed choices to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With Happy Valley's climate characterized by distinct seasonal changes, it's important to be aware of peak UV hours—particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the index can rise as high as 7. By staying informed on UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with sun exposure.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at 7 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the intensity gradually increases, reaching 3 by 10:00 AM. By noon, the index hits 6, indicating a notable risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. It's during the mid-afternoon, around 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, that sun safety becomes paramount, as the UV Index remains at its highest, 7. After this peak, the values begin to taper off, dropping to 5 at 4:00 PM and 4 at 5:00 PM, before declining further into the evening. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours for a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 a clear seasonal variation, with exposure levels peaking during the warmer months. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from May to August, with indices reaching 6 to 7 and burn times as short as 25 minutes. March and April see moderate levels of UV at indices 3 and 4, while the rest of the year, from October to February, presents low UV exposure with longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. Maintaining awareness of the UV Index can help ensure enjoyable and safe outdoor activities year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Valley | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 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 |