Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kingston, United States, as it provides vital information about harmful ultraviolet radiation levels and helps guide sun safety practices. With Kingston’s continental climate, where sunny days can lead to increased UV exposure, being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. On a typical day, the UV Index can peak at 10 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, underscoring the importance of protective measures throughout the day. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the outdoors!
The UV Index today paints a picture of intensity as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting off mild at 1 at 07:00, the index quickly climbs to 4 by 09:00, signaling the onset of stronger rays. The sun's power peaks dramatically, with a scorching 10 recorded between 12:00 and 14:00, making this the most critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index dips to 8 at 15:00, then gradually declines to 3 by 17:00, before returning to a gentle 1 by 19:00. It's a day that underscores the importance of safeguarding your skin during those midday hours!
| 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 | 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 exposure changes significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and February see moderate UV Index levels (3 to 5), requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before risking burns. However, from March to September, the UV Index escalates, hitting a peak of 10 in June and July, indicating a very high risk for sunburn with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and May also fall in this high-risk category with UV Index values of 8 and 9. August and September slightly decrease but remain very high at 9 and 8 respectively. The UV Index drops to moderate levels again in October (6) and returns to low in December (2). Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months—especially from March to September—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting direct sun exposure to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 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 |