Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Bloomington is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation on any given day can help you make informed decisions when spending time outdoors, particularly during the sun's peak hours. With a Csa climate, Bloomington experiences warm summers that can lead to higher UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index peaks at 11 to 12—levels that indicate a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect yourself to enjoy the beautiful Indiana sunshine safely!
The UV Index reaches its peak intensity at 1 PM, soaring to an alarming 12. Early morning starts off gently, with indices of 1 at 7 AM and gradually rising to 2 by 8 AM. By 9 AM, the index jumps to 4, hinting at more intense sun exposure to come. As the day progresses, it escalates rapidly, hitting 7 by 10 AM and 9 at 11 AM. The sun is at its zenith at noon, with a robust 11. After this peak, a slight decline begins, but caution is still advised as the values remain significant, dropping to 8 at 3 PM and tapering off to 3 by 5 PM. The UV risk diminishes further into the evening, returning to a calmer 1 by 7 PM. Stay protected during those midday hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index values show significant seasonal variation, peaking in the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include March through August, particularly notable in June and July, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11, respectively, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As UV levels decrease from September onward, with moderate levels returning in the winter months of November and December, maintaining sun safety remains important, especially during high-exposure periods.
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 |
| Bloomington | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |