Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pontoon Beach, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays can become increasingly intense, understanding these UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage. With a Cfa climate that features warm summers, residents and visitors alike should be cautious, especially during peak hours when the UV Index rises to a significant 10 around noon and early afternoon. Observing these levels and taking appropriate sun safety measures ensures that you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern of sun exposure, peaking during the afternoon. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, signaling a rise in sun intensity, culminating in a striking 10 from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 3 by 17:00, and steadily returning to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Pontoon Beach | 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 |