Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for those living in or visiting Branford, United States. As the sun's rays are strongest during the midday hours, being aware of the UV levels can help prevent sunburn, protect skin health, and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Branford's Cfa climate, residents experience a humid subtropical environment, which can intensify UV exposure, particularly in the summer months. Pay attention to local UV Index readings, especially when they peak at levels of 10 to 12—from 11 AM to 2 PM—to ensure you stay safe and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
As the sun rises on this beautiful day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually creeping up to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The heat peaks around noon, reaching a sizzling 10 at 12:00 PM, and quickly escalates to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the time to seek shade! However, as the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity tapers off, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then declining to 5 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the index continues to decrease, ending the day at a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest exposure occurring during the summer months. January starts with a moderate UV index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as February approaches, the UV index escalates to 8 (very high), significantly reducing burn time to 15 minutes. The peak months, from March to August, witness extreme UV levels ranging from 9 to 12, leading to a burn time as low as 10 minutes in May through August. Post-summer, the index begins to decline, with September at 10 and October at 9, both categorized as very high. By late fall and winter, in November and December, the levels drop to 6 and 5 respectively, classified as high and moderate, with burn times extending to 25 and 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of February through August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Branford | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |