Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dover, United States, as it helps safeguard against harmful ultraviolet radiation that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Dover's Dsb climate, the local weather can lead to varying UV exposure throughout the year, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. Notably, during the peak hours of 11 AM to 2 PM, when the UV Index reaches levels of 8 to 9, protecting your skin from overexposure is critical. By being aware of the UV Index, you can better enjoy the sun while prioritizing your skin health and overall well-being.
The UV Index peaks significantly throughout the day, starting with a low 1 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm, which escalates sharply to a high of 9 between 12:00 and 13:00. This substantial index signifies that precautions are necessary, especially with the sun at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 5 by 16:00, and further tapering off to a mere 1 by 19:00. For those outdoors, staying protected during the peak hours is critical for skin health!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and December present the lowest UV levels (Index 2), categorized as low, where individuals can safely be outside for up to 45 minutes without risk of sunburn. As we transition into February and March, UV indices increase to 4 and 6 respectively, marking them as moderate to high risk months, with recommended burn times decreasing to 30 and 25 minutes. The summer months of May to August reach their peak UV indices of 8 and 9, categorized as very high. During this time, even brief exposure can lead to burns within 15 minutes, making it imperative for visitors and residents to take extra precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade. As autumn rolls in, the UV Index decreases again in September to 7 and stabilizes in the subsequent months, reminding everyone to remain vigilant even in moderate risk months like October and November with burn times extending to 30 minutes. Staying informed and proactive can significantly enhance sun safety throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 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 |