Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in the University area of the United States is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 12 between noon and 2 PM, awareness of sun exposure becomes crucial, especially in a climate characterized as Cfa, where warm summers can lead to significant UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, students and residents can take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring safe outdoor activities in this vibrant university environment. Keep your skin healthy and enjoy the outdoors responsibly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, where it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the index accelerates to a moderate 5, but it’s at 11:00 AM that the heat intensifies, reaching 8. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering value of 10, followed by the highest point of the day at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it maxes out at 12. After this peak, the index gradually declines: it drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease to 7 at 4:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the intensity wanes, falling to 5 at 5:00 PM and back down to 2 by 6:00 PM, before settling at 1 again as day turns to dusk by 7:00 PM. Remember to shield yourself during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, reaching its peak during the summer months of June and July, with an extreme UV Index of 12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend from February through September, where values consistently register high to extreme levels. Specifically, April and May see sustained extreme conditions with an index of 11, indicating that extended outdoor activities should come with caution. Residents and visitors are advised to take proactive measures by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during these high-risk months, particularly from March through September when the potential for harmful UV exposure is greatest. As we move towards October and November, UV levels decrease, allowing for safer outdoor activities, although awareness should always remain a priority.
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 |
| University | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |