Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of West Point, United States, where sunny days frequently invite outdoor activities. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. With the local climate classified as Cfa (humid subtropical), West Point experiences higher UV exposure, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, when the index can soar to a blistering 11. By staying informed about UV levels, residents can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely and protect their skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking rise and fall, mirroring the sun's journey across the sky. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates to a notable 11 by 12:00 PM, making this the peak time for sun exposure. The intensity remains high for another hour before gradually declining, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM and descending further to 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern warns us to embrace the sun’s rays with caution, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV levels soar. As the day winds down, the diminishing UV Index suggests a welcoming return to safer conditions. Remember, while the sun can be inviting, protecting your skin during peak hours is essential!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which significantly impacts exposure levels throughout the year. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, February ramps up to a high index of 7, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months, from March through August, experience extreme UV levels, particularly in May and June, where the UV Index reaches 11 and burn times shrink to just 10 minutes. September and October see a slight decrease, yet still maintain a very high index of 9 and 8, respectively. The year concludes with lower levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should take special care during the high-risk months from March to August, ensuring proper sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| West Point | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |