Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ketchikan, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the vibrant summer months. Given the city's Cfb climate characterized by moderate temperatures and varying cloud cover, UV levels can sometimes catch residents off guard. By staying informed about daily UV exposure risks—such as the peak index reaching 7 around 1 PM—you can take proactive measures to protect yourself while enjoying the great outdoors. Awareness of these UV levels not only helps to prevent immediate skin damage but also contributes to long-term health benefits, making it vital for everyone in Ketchikan to keep an eye on the UV Index.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and reaching a peak of 7 by 13:00. During the midday hours, the index remains robust at 6, indicating the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 5 at 15:00 and further to 2 by 18:00, before settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant against UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 to 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the level of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth, directly affecting skin health. January and February see low levels of UV exposure (UV Index 1-2), with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, March marks the beginning of more intense exposure, escalating to a moderate level (UV Index 3) with a burn time of 30 minutes. By April and May, the UV Index climbs to 5 and 6, categorizing the exposure as moderate to high, necessitating caution with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak risk occurs in July, when the UV Index reaches 8, categorized as very high, allowing for just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. August and September see a slight decrease, but caution remains essential as the Index stays high at 6-7. October returns to moderate levels (UV Index 3) before dropping back to low levels through November and December (UV Index 1). Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, particularly from March to September, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to avoid skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchikan | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 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 |