Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Nashville, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's Cfa climate, Nashville experiences a range of UV exposure risks, particularly during the hot summer months when indices can reach a maximum of 11 around noon. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can better protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the vibrant beauty of Music City without compromising your skin's health. Whether you’re outdoor adventuring or soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index empowers you to make safer choices for your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity and its impact on outdoor activities. Starting early at 7:00 AM, the exposure remains low at a mere 1, ideal for morning strolls. As the sun climbs, 9:00 AM sees a slight increase to 3, hinting at the day's potential. By 10:00 AM, the index escalates to 5, and it reaches a peak at 12:00 PM with a blistering 10. The highest point occurs around 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it hits 11, indicating the need for sun protection. Gradually, the index begins to decline, drifting down to 7 by 4:00 PM, and dropping to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, closing the day with a protective embrace as twilight falls. This information serves as a crucial guide for planning sun-safe activities!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk observed during the spring and summer months. From February to August, the UV Index remains at a very high to extreme level, peaking at 11 in May, June, July, and August, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. In contrast, January and December experience moderate UV levels, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes before burning. As the UV levels decline entering the fall months, particularly in November with a high index of 6 (burn time of 25 minutes), it is still prudent to remain vigilant against UV exposure.
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 |
| Nashville | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |