Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Watertown, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM when the index reaches its maximum at 11. With Watertown's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers, residents must stay vigilant about UV exposure risks, as even brief moments in the sun can have lasting effects. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by monitoring the UV Index daily!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for a leisurely morning. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling that it's time to enjoy some shade. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a maximum index of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Continuing at 13:00 and 14:00, the index holds steady at 11, urging caution with the midday sun blazing down. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down with a gentle 1 at 19:00, marking a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Be sure 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring from May to August, characterized as having an extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, March and April also present very high risk levels, with indices peaking at 9 and 10 respectively. As a result, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, the low-risk periods in January and December, where UV levels are classified as moderate with a burn time of 30 minutes, require less vigilance but still warrant caution. Overall, staying informed and proactive about UV exposure can help ensure safety and well-being throughout the year.
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 |
| Watertown | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |