Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Scenic, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The sun's rays can be deceptively strong, peaking at a high UV Index of 12 around midday, making it essential to understand these levels to effectively prevent sunburn and minimize long-term skin damage. With its BWk climate, Scenic experiences unique UV exposure risks, particularly during the summer months when outdoor activities are common. Whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying outdoor adventures, staying informed about the UV Index helps you take the necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable time under the sun.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, painting a vivid picture of solar intensity. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the sun steadily rises, and by 08:00, it reaches a moderate 3. The real heat kicks in around 09:00, hitting 5, and by 10:00, it surges to 8, signaling a call to protect your skin. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, where it climbs to a striking 12, highlighting the need for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to decline, dropping to 11 by 14:00, then tapering off to 8 at 15:00, before easing back to 5 at 16:00. As the day dims, the UV Index falls to 3 by 17:00 and settles back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Stay sun-smart during these peak hours to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months of May to August, where it reaches extremes of 11 to 12. The highest risk occurs in May, June, and July, with burn times as short as 10 minutes under these conditions. March and April also present considerable UV exposure, categorized as very high, with burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from late winter through summer, especially during these high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the season transitions into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, offering more moderate exposure from October to December.
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 |
| Scenic | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |