Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Buffalo Grove, United States, as it plays a critical role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Dfa climate, residents experience varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking around noon with a significant UV Index of 9. Awareness of these levels helps you take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and your loved ones from harmful rays, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. Embrace sun safety by keeping an eye on the UV Index and adapting your sun protection strategies accordingly.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic solar intensity, peaking at midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, reaching 9 by noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains strong at 8 during the early afternoon before gradually declining to 3 by late afternoon, and finally returning to 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of taking precautions during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when UV rays are at their most potent. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to protect your skin!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation. January and December have low UV exposure, with indices of 2, allowing for a lengthy burn time of 45 minutes. As we transition to February (UV Index 4) and March (UV Index 6), the risk escalates to moderate and high, reducing safe exposure time to 30 and 25 minutes, respectively. The peak months for UV exposure occur during April to August, with indices reaching a high of 10 in June and July, categorized as very high and necessitating a brief burn time of just 15 minutes. By October, the index decreases to 5, then further settles at 3 in November. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of April through August, using sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Grove | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |