Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Houston, United States, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure year-round. Understanding UV levels helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With Houston's Dfc climate, the UV Index can reach levels of 7 during midday hours, indicating a heightened risk of skin damage. Stay informed and safeguard your skin against the sun’s powerful rays!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic landscape of sun exposure. Starting off softly at 07:00 and 08:00, the index registers a low 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks at 14:00 with a sharp 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The hours leading up to and following this peak, between 10:00 and 15:00, show a steady increase from 3 to 6, making it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually dips, returning to a manageable 2 by 19:00, offering a gentler touch for evening activities. Overall, it's a day to relish the sun's warmth while remaining mindful of skin protection 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 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 |