Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Athol, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation can help prevent painful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Athol's Csb climate, residents face specific UV exposure challenges, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 2 PM, when the index can soar to 9. Being informed about daily UV levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index today presents a notable climb as the sun ascends, peaking at 9 around noon and early afternoon, signaling very high sun exposure risk. Starting gently at 1 by 7 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 6 by 10 AM and then surging to its maximum of 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Early afternoon brings a slight decline to 8 at 2 PM, followed by a gradual decrease through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this trajectory, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, ensuring skin protection against harmful UV rays. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, highlighting the importance of sun safety. Winter months (January and December) present low UV Index levels of 2, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities with a longer burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March see an increase to a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, with a burn time of 30 minutes. April marks the transition to higher risk, with an index of 6 (high exposure) and burn time reducing to 25 minutes. The summer months (May to August) are particularly critical, characterized by very high UV Index levels of 8 to 9, where exposure should be limited to just 15 minutes to prevent burns. September sees a slight decrease to a high index of 7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate levels in October and November. Therefore, visitors and residents are strongly advised to use sun protection—such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—especially during the high-risk months of May through August when UV exposure is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athol | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |