Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Salem, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfa climate that offers warm summers, residents and visitors alike should be aware of fluctuating UV levels throughout the day. During peak hours, such as between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV Index values can soar to 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can make smarter choices to enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index data unveils a dynamic progression of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting low at 1 at 07:00, the index gradually escalates, reaching maximum levels of 10 between 12:00 and 14:00. This peak signals a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index tapers off to 8 at 15:00, and then descends further to 3 by 17:00, and 2 by 18:00. Ultimately, the day concludes softly with a return to 1 at 19:00. It's essential to stay vigilant during those peak hours to safeguard your skin while enjoying the sun!
| 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 | 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 reflects significant seasonal changes that affect sun exposure safety for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV levels remain moderate (3 to 5), allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. A marked increase occurs in March, where the index rises to 7 (high exposure), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April and May, with indices of 9 and 11, categorized as very high and extreme, where burn times drop to just 15 and 10 minutes respectively. June maintains this extreme risk, followed closely by a slight decrease in July (index of 10) and a resurgence in August and September (both at 9). October marks a return to high exposure (6), with burn times returning to 25 minutes, before descending back to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during April through September, utilizing appropriate sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade, to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Salem | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 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 |