Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of St. Mary's, United States, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure, especially during the warmer months. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes better skin health, safeguarding against the long-term effects of UV radiation. Typically, during midday hours, UV levels can peak at 6, indicating a heightened risk for unprotected skin. Familiarizing yourself with this essential information allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor climate of St. Mary's while taking the necessary precautions to stay safe under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a clear progression in intensity, starting at a mild level of 1 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the index gradually increases, reaching 3 by 11:00 AM. The moment of peak exposure arrives at 1 PM with a UV Index hitting 6, indicating a higher risk for unprotected skin. This intensity persists until 3 PM, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities, but be cautious! As the afternoon wanes, the index slowly retreats to a 4 by 6:00 PM and down to 3 by 7 PM, offering a more manageable level for evening adventures. Keep your sunscreen handy during the peak hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable day in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes without significant risk. March marks the beginning of a rise, with a moderate exposure category of 3 (burn time: 30 min), continuing through to May when it reaches 5. The high-risk months are June and July, where the UV Index peaks at 6, necessitating caution with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. By August, the index drops back to 5, with September and October further decreasing to 3 and 2 respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during the summer months of June and July, ensuring adequate skin protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, while still enjoying the outdoors responsibly in the moderate months of March, April, May, August, and September.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 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 |