Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Nashville, United States, where the sun shines brightly and often, especially during the summer months. With peak UV levels reaching 11 around noon, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. In Nashville's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and humidity, the risk of overexposure increases, making it all the more important to stay informed about UV radiation. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, it escalates steadily to a peak of 11 between 13:00 and 14:00, making it crucial to prioritize sun safety during these hours. As noon approaches, protective measures become essential with the index hitting a striking 10 at 12:00. Following that, a gradual decline occurs, retreating to 6 at 16:00, then tapering to 2 by 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 |