Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hartford, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a Cfa climate, Hartford experiences a range of UV exposure throughout the year, peaking in the summer months. Awareness of UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. During midday hours, the UV Index can reach as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days in Hartford while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index steadily climbs as the day progresses, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM. Sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts should be mindful, as the index hits a high of 10 at 12:00 PM, signaling significant UV exposure. After this peak, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continuing to decline to 1 by 7:00 PM. For safe sun enjoyment, it’s best to take precautions during those high UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Remember to sport your hats and sunscreen!
| 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 | 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 |