Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Burlington, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sunlight, especially during the peak summer months. With a climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers (BSk zone), Burlington residents face varying UV exposure risks throughout the year. During the brightest hours, such as between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV levels can soar as high as 11, significantly increasing the chances of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Staying informed about UV levels is key to ensuring sun safety and promoting healthy skin for all who enjoy the great outdoors in this beautiful region.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching a maximum of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—a time when protective measures are crucial. The peak UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety, as conditions can be particularly harsh. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index wanes to a mellow 1 by 19:00, suggesting a return to safer exposure levels. Keep in mind that tracking the UV Index throughout the day can help protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, significantly impacting the risk of sunburn. January and February start with a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index rises sharply; by April it reaches a very high level of 10, reducing safe exposure to just 15 minutes. This trend continues, peaking in May and June at an extreme level of 11 and 12, where only 10 minutes of exposure is advisable. July and August maintain this extreme risk, while September sees a slight decrease to a very high 9, giving a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year closes, October and November return to high and moderate levels, respectively, with burn times extending back to 25 and 30 minutes, before falling to a moderate UV Index of 3 in December. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, particularly during March to September, when UV exposure is significantly heightened. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are strongly advised.
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 |
| Burlington | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |