Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Buena Vista, as it serves as a vital guide to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 14 during midday hours, awareness of these readings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote long-term skin health. Nestled in a Dfc climate zone, Buena Vista experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the year, particularly during sunny days. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity throughout the morning and early afternoon. Starting at a mellow 1 at 07:00, it quickly reaches 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges past 5 at 09:00, peaking at an impressive 14 by 13:00, signaling a high risk for skin exposure. After this zenith, the UV levels gently ebb, descending to 11 at 15:00 and tapering down to 2 by 18:00. As evening approaches, it settles back to a calm 1 at 19:00. Those outdoor adventurers should take heed during the midday hours to protect their skin from the sun's potent rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly impacting both residents and visitors. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a safer burn time of 30 minutes before risk increases. However, as we move into February, the UV Index rises to 7 (high), and by March, it escalates to 10 (very high), with burn time plummeting to just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are April to August, where the Index reaches 13-14 (extreme), demanding vigilant sun protection measures with burn times reduced to only 10 minutes. September marks a gradual decrease, but a high Index of 11 still necessitates caution. As the year closes with October and November presenting high levels again (7 and 6), it is essential for individuals to remain aware of changing UV levels and take appropriate precautions regardless of the season, notably during these high-risk months. Always consider wearing sunblock, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Buena Vista | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 4 |