Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Clayton, United States, where the climate often leads to significant sun exposure. With UV levels that can reach a peak of 12 during midday, awareness of these numbers is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As Clayton enjoys a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), the risk of harmful UV radiation is heightened, particularly in summer months. By learning to interpret the UV Index, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun intensity. In the early hours, from 7:00 to 9:00, the index remains low at 1 to 3, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, as the sun climbs higher, the UV exposure peaks dramatically at 12:00 with an index of 10, reaching its highest point of 12 at 1:00 PM. This is the critical time for sun safety measures—sunscreen and protective clothing are essential! As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to a 7 by 4:00 PM and further to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it's a day marked by a sharp rise and gradual decline in UV levels, highlighting the importance of staying shielded during 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 | 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, UV levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into February and March, the index escalates, reaching high levels of 7 and very high levels of 8, respectively, reducing burn time notably. From April to August, the UV Index continues to soar, hitting an alarming 12 in May. This period represents the high-risk months for sunburn, where exposure should be limited to just 10 minutes. Post-summer, UV levels decrease in September and October, yet still remain very high with an index of 10 and 8, necessitating careful sun safety practices. November and December offer some relief with moderate levels, hence, a burn time extending back to 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high UV months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during peak hours.
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 |
| Clayton | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |