Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lake Zurich, Illinois, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring overall health. The UV levels in this charming suburban community can reach as high as 9 during midday, signaling a significant risk of sunburn. Understanding these UV levels not only helps in preventing harmful skin effects but also promotes long-term skin health. With its Dfa climate, Lake Zurich experiences warm summers where UV exposure can escalate quickly, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take necessary precautions against the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic solar intensity, peaking at midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, reaching 9 by noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains strong at 8 during the early afternoon before gradually declining to 3 by late afternoon, and finally returning to 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of taking precautions during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when UV rays are at their most potent. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to protect your skin!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variation. January and December have low UV exposure, with indices of 2, allowing for a lengthy burn time of 45 minutes. As we transition to February (UV Index 4) and March (UV Index 6), the risk escalates to moderate and high, reducing safe exposure time to 30 and 25 minutes, respectively. The peak months for UV exposure occur during April to August, with indices reaching a high of 10 in June and July, categorized as very high and necessitating a brief burn time of just 15 minutes. By October, the index decreases to 5, then further settles at 3 in November. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of April through August, using sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Zurich | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |