Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Braidwood, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage and skin cancer. With Braidwood's Dfa climate characterized by warm summers, UV exposure can peak dramatically, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when levels can reach as high as 10. By being aware of the UV Index in your area, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while taking proactive steps to safeguard your skin against harmful rays.
Today’s UV Index tells a compelling story of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and 4 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the UV exposure spikes, peaking at a notable 10 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is essential. After this zenith, the UV Index drops to 8 at 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the values decrease steadily, concluding with a 1 at 7:00 PM. A day punctuated by this UV rhythm reminds us to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 experiences notable fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September, when the index consistently ranges between 6 and 10. Specifically, April to August feature very high levels, with peak values reaching 10 in June and July, corresponding to a dangerously short burn time of 15 minutes. In contrast, January and December present lower UV risks, categorized as moderate to low, with corresponding burn times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. To safeguard your skin, it is crucial for visitors and residents to adopt protective measures, especially during the peak months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours to reduce UV exposure effectively.
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 |
| Braidwood | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |