Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Round Rock, Texas, a city known for its warm, dry climate in the BSk zone. With UV levels peaking significantly during midday hours—reaching a jaw-dropping 12 at noon—being aware of these readings can mean the difference between enjoying the sun and suffering from painful sunburn or long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index in Round Rock, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin’s health while making the most of outdoor activities, especially during those peak intensity hours. Remember, even a moderate UV Index can pose risks, so always stay informed and prepared!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off modestly at 1 by 07:00. However, by 08:00, it doubles to 2, slowly building up as we approach midday. The real intensity hits by 12:00, with the index climbing to a peak of 12, marking the hour of highest sun exposure. It reaches an even greater height at 13:00 with a remarkable 13, urging us to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The index begins to decline after this peak, dropping to 10 by 15:00, and steadily decreases to 5 by 17:00 before tapering off to a gentle 3 as we approach evening. As the sun sets, the UV rays lessen, falling back to 1 by 19:00, signaling a safe end to the day’s sun exposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a distinct seasonal pattern, with the highest levels occurring from April to September, when the index consistently reaches extreme levels (11-13) and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, particularly April through July, when precautions are crucial. Visitors and residents should take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful skin exposure. As the year progresses towards October, UV levels decrease, but attention to UV protection remains important until the levels return to moderate in December and January.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Round Rock | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |