Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With high elevation and a Dfc climate, this region experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 12 or even 13. Understanding these levels not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Be proactive about your sun safety—plan your activities accordingly and make sure to use sunscreen when the UV levels are at their highest, typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking at an impressive 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts gently, with a UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun inches higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to 12 by noon. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 3 PM, before settling back to a mild 2 by 6 PM. This clear progression emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe! ☀️
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 do the UV index levels, significantly impacting skin safety for both visitors and residents. January begins with a moderate UV index of 4, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure, but February sees an increase to 6, marking the onset of high-risk months. The spring months of March and April bring sharply rising levels, peaking in April at an extreme index of 13, where burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. The summer months of May through August remain critical, maintaining an index of 13 and 12, while September starts to show a slight decrease with a return to a very high UV index of 10. As October transitions to a high index of 7, November and December return to moderate levels at 5 and 4, respectively, allowing for more extended safe exposure times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to practice sun safety, particularly during the peak months of April to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Downieville-Lawson-Dumont | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |