Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gateway, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With the region's Cfa climate, residents face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 12—a level that requires immediate sun protection measures. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can make educated decisions on sun safety, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable while protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays. So, whether you’re hiking, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, keeping an eye on the UV Index is your first line of defense against skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with high-risk months concentrated from February to September. The highest readings occur in April to September, where the UV Index reaches 12, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Particularly, months like February and March, registering UV Index values of 9 and 10 respectively, also signify significant risk, labeled as very high. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday hours, to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV Index decreases to levels classified as high, but vigilance is still recommended to safeguard skin health.
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 |
| Gateway | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |