Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Leesburg, Virginia, where sunny days can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. As the UV Index can peak at 11 around midday, being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Given Leesburg's humid subtropical climate, outdoor enthusiasts should be particularly cautious during the summer months, when risks of overexposure are heightened. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly in April through August, where it peaks at 12. This means that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes during these months. February and March also present risks with very high indexes of 8 and 9, respectively, necessitating protection within 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels slightly decrease but remain elevated through October. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. The UV Index returns to moderate levels in January and December, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities.
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 |
| Leesburg | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |