Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Portland, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the sunniest parts of the day. With Portland's Dfa climate, residents can enjoy beautiful summers, but they should also be mindful of the elevated UV exposure risks. On clear days, UV index levels can soar as high as 10 between noon and 1 PM, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing. Stay informed and keep your skin healthy!
The UV Index today showcases a dynamic sun activity that peaks dramatically as the day unfolds. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 10 by 13:00, marking the sun's most intense rays during midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00 as the sun begins to wane. This rhythm underscores the importance of sun safety: ensure protection during peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV index is at its highest! Enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget your sunscreen!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with high-risk months typically spanning from March to September. In April and May, the Index peaks at 10, indicating a very high exposure category where the burn time is just 15 minutes. Consequently, during these months, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. The risk slightly diminishes in October with a UV Index of 6, shifting to lower levels by November and December, where the Index falls to 4 and 2, respectively. As the year progresses, individuals are encouraged to adjust their sun safety practices according to these seasonal changes to ensure their skin health remains a priority.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |