Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Holyoke, United States, as it serves as a vital indicator of sun exposure and its associated health risks. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, being aware of UV levels empowers you to take protective measures during peak hours, especially when the index reaches a high of 11 around midday. Nestled in a BSk climate zone, Holyoke experiences varied UV exposure throughout the day, highlighting the importance of staying informed to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin health.
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 |
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 |