Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mechanicsburg, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With peak UV levels reaching 11 around midday, it’s vital for residents to be aware of their sun exposure, especially during the warm months typical of our Dfa climate zone. By monitoring these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the outdoors safely, enhancing both your pleasure and well-being in the vibrant sunlit hours.
The UV Index for today starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM, then gradually increases as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it hits 6, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity keeps climbing, reaching a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, making this the most crucial time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, then further to 2 by the evening, signalling a return to a safer UV environment. Remember, protecting your skin is vital during those peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations that can significantly impact skin health. From January to March, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching a high of 7 in March, indicating a growing risk for skin damage. April and May see a sharp rise, with very high values of 9 and 10, encouraging caution as burn times decrease to just 15 minutes. The peak occurs in June and July, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, suggesting a maximum burn time of only 10 minutes—making these the highest-risk months. As summer wanes into August and September, the levels remain very high but slightly decrease. October brings a safer high UV Index of 6, while the year wraps up with moderate levels in November and December. To protect against UV exposure, both visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to September, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| Mechanicsburg | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |