Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Pittsburgh, United States, as it can significantly impact your skin health and overall well-being. Awareness of UV levels helps in sunburn prevention, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely, especially in the summer months when the risk of harmful sun exposure is higher. Pittsburgh, nestled in a Csb climate zone, experiences varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day, peaking at an extreme index of 11 around noon. Being informed about these UV levels can guide you in taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful Pennsylvania sunshine.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling a notable increase in solar radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10 and continues to soar to a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, marking the hour of greatest exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off—dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and 8 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index gracefully descends to 4 at 5:00 PM, settling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during mid-day when UV rays are at their most intense.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months and dramatically declining in winter. From January to February, the UV Index ranges from 3 to 5, classified as moderate, allowing for around 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, March to June sees a sharp increase, reaching an extreme level of 11 in both June and July, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore March through August, where the index remains predominantly high to extreme. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. From September to December, while the UV Index decreases, users should still remain vigilant, as moderate levels persist late in the year.
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 |
| Pittsburg | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |