Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Nashville, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the warm and sunny months typical of this Cfa climate zone. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about sun protection, particularly when the index peaks at 11 around midday—exposing the skin to higher risks of damage. With Nashville’s vibrant outdoor culture, knowing how to safeguard yourself against harmful UV rays can enhance your enjoyment of the city while keeping your skin healthy. Stay informed and stay safe under the Tennessee sun!
The UV Index today rises steadily from the early morning, reaching a peak of 11 at noon and maintaining that intensity through the early afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00, it quickly escalates to 2 at 8:00, then 3 by 9:00. At 10:00, it hits 6, and by 11:00, it soars to 9, signaling a significant increase in UV exposure. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index stabilizes at an alarming 11 from 12:00 to 14:00, before gradually descending to 9 at 15:00, and tapering off in the evening to 4 by 17:00, finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a day to embrace the sun while keeping sunscreen and protective gear close at hand!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, peaking during the summer months. January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February ramps up to a high level of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. By March and April, the UV Index escalates to 8 and 10, categorized as very high, with burn times dropping to 15 minutes. The extreme levels of 11 dominate from May through August, where just 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. September and October remain very high with indices of 9 and 8, respectively, and November returns to high at 6. Finally, December reflects back to moderate levels, similar to January. **Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high-risk months—particularly from May to August—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
| Nashville | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |