Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hartford, as it provides vital information about the sun's intensity and its potential impact on skin health. With the risk of sunburn rising significantly during peak hours, knowing the UV levels can help you take proactive measures to protect your skin. Hartford's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers, means that UV exposure can be quite intense, particularly around midday when the index can reach as high as 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
The UV Index data unveils a dynamic progression of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting low at 1 at 07:00, the index gradually escalates, reaching maximum levels of 10 between 12:00 and 14:00. This peak signals a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index tapers off to 8 at 15:00, and then descends further to 3 by 17:00, and 2 by 18:00. Ultimately, the day concludes softly with a return to 1 at 19:00. It's essential to stay vigilant during those peak hours to safeguard your skin while enjoying the sun!
| 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with significant increases during the spring and summer months. January and December have moderate UV Index levels of 3, allowing for 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, while February sees a slight increase to 5. As spring arrives, March reaches a high UV Index of 6 with a 25-minute burn time, transitioning to very high levels of 9 in April and peaking at 11 in June—the highest risk month with only 10 minutes of safe exposure. July and August maintain a very high UV Index of 10 and 9, respectively, before gradually declining to 6 in October and returning to moderate levels in November. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take extra precautions from April through September, particularly in June, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Hartford | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 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 |