Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Fairfield, United States, where the climate provides ample sunshine but also poses significant risks for skin health. With UV levels peaking at 11 around midday, awareness of these readings can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. In this Cfa climate zone, the combination of high UV exposure and extended sunny days means that taking proper precautions—like wearing sunscreen and seeking shade during peak hours—is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun’s potentially harmful rays!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of sun exposure, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a maximum index of 10. Early morning hours start gently, with a mere 1 at 07:00 AM gradually rising to a moderate 4 by 09:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates to 9 by 11:00 AM and hits its zenith of 11 at 1:00 PM, indicating a critical level of UV radiation. Following the peak, there’s a noticeable decline; by 15:00 PM, the index dips to 7, continuing to taper off to 3 by 5:00 PM, before settling back to 1 as the evening sets in. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 7 | 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 values exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels typically occurring during the late spring and summer months. March marks the shift into high UV exposure, escalating to an extreme UV Index of 11 in May and June, indicating significant risk for skin damage with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from April to September, the high-risk months, where daily activities should involve protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing. As the year progresses into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate category, but it’s essential to remain cautious even during this time, especially on sunny days.
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 |
| Fairfield | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |