Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Wainwright, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With sunny days being a common feature of our ET climate, knowing the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the UV Index peaks at 5 in the early afternoon, it’s essential to be proactive about sun safety, especially during the warmer months. By staying informed, you can enjoy Wainwright's beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index starts its slow climb with minimal risk during the early hours, peaking at 1 between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 2, signaling a slight increase in sun exposure. The intensity grows further, hitting 3 by 11:00 AM and then spiking to 4 at noon and early afternoon. The highest recorded levels of 5 occur between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the sun begins to set, the index gracefully declines to 3 by the evening hours, allowing for a more pleasant experience without overwhelming UV rays. Remember to take precautions, especially when the index is at its peak!
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, impacting the risk of sunburn and the need for sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for a safe outdoor experience with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 3 in April and peaking at 5 from May to July, indicating higher risk months for sun exposure. In August, the UV Index slightly decreases to 4, leading into a return to lower indices of 2 in September and 1 in October and November, while December sees an index of 0, marking minimal risk. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May to July, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wainwright | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
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 |