Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Carbondale, United States, where the climate often leads to heightened sun exposure. With the UV levels peaking at a staggering 11 around midday, awareness of these readings can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given Carbondale's Cfa climate, summers can be intense, making it essential to stay informed about the daily UV trends to safeguard against harmful sun effects. Keep an eye on the UV Index to enjoy the outdoors while ensuring your skin remains healthy!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins steadily climbing, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling more intense rays ahead. The peak arrives right at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a sizzling 10, followed closely by a high of 11 at 1:00 PM—perfect times to seek shade and protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers gently descend, dipping to 8 at 3:00 PM and eventually falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data paints a clear picture: mid-day offers the strongest sun exposure, making sun safety paramount during those crucial hours. Enjoy the sun, but stay protected!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations that are crucial for both residents and visitors to consider. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate category (3-5) with a burn time of 30 minutes, indicating relatively lower risk. However, as spring approaches, March brings an increase to a high index of 7, necessitating caution with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure occur from April to June, where the index peaks at 11, categorized as extreme and resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. July and August maintain similar high levels, followed by a slight decline in September (9). As the year winds down, the UV risk lessens, with October returning to high levels (7) and burn time increasing to 25 minutes, before settling back to moderate levels by year’s end in November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to September, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Carbondale | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |