Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is essential for residents of Virginia, where the Dfa climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index can soar to an alarming 11 around midday. With sunny summers and warm springs, Virginians face unique exposure risks that necessitate vigilance—knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in preserving your skin's health and enjoying the great outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes highlight significant variations in sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate, allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without immediate risk of burns. However, with the arrival of March, the UV Index escalates to 7, indicating high risk, and it continues to climb through April and May, reaching a peak of 10 in May. The summer months of June and July present the most perilous conditions, marked by an extreme UV Index of 11, where only 10 minutes of exposure is safe. As summer wanes, risks slightly decrease but remain very high in August and September. By October, the UV Index drops to 6, allowing for 25 minutes of exposure, before returning to moderate levels in November and December. To ensure safety, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months from March to September, by wearing appropriate sunblock, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure 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 |
| Virginia | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 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 |