Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Washington, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin health, especially during the sunniest months. The UV Index is a vital tool that indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth, helping you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Washington's Dfa climate brings a mix of sunny days and seasonal changes, but with midday peak UV levels soaring up to 10, it's essential to stay informed. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively minimizing your exposure risks. Remember, protecting your skin today promotes healthier futures!
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 exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. Between April and September, the UV Index consistently registers in the very high to extreme categories, with June reaching the highest level of 11, indicating an enhanced risk for skin damage. The high-risk months are March through September, where burn times drastically decrease—from 25 minutes in March to just 10 minutes in June. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these periods, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak. During the cooler months, particularly December with a UV Index of 2, the risk decreases significantly, offering a safe window for outdoor activities without intense sun precautions.
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 |
| Washington | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 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 |