Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Holyoke, Massachusetts, where the climate can lead to varying sun exposure risks throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 12 around midday, it’s vital for the community to take proactive measures against harmful effects. Holyoke’s BSk climate can create intense sunlight, especially during summer months, making it even more important to stay informed and protect yourself while enjoying the outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a low 1 at 07:00, gently easing into the day. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a slight increase in exposure. The intensity peaks at 11:00 with a soaring 10, reaching a critical high of 12 at 13:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during midday. Thankfully, the UV Index begins to descend, dropping to 8 by 15:00, and further dwindling to 2 at 18:00. As the day winds down, it gracefully returns to 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-soaked day where vigilance against UV radiation was paramount from morning until early afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months of June and July, where it reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11, respectively, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May follow closely behind with very high UV Index values of 9 and 10, indicating that skin protection becomes increasingly vital as spring transitions to summer. March also marks the start of high-risk months with a UV Index of 7, transitioning into high exposure, emphasizing the need for individuals to take precautions. Conversely, the UV Index is more moderate in the winter months of January, February, November, and December, where the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor the UV Index, especially from March to September, when sun protection measures—including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—are essential to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Holyoke | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 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 |