Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Atlanta, United States, being mindful of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially on those warm, sunny days typical of the city's Dfa climate. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 11 in the early afternoon, residents and visitors must stay informed about daily UV exposure risks to ensure safe outdoor activities and maintain optimal skin health.
The UV Index data reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, starting off with minimal risk in the early hours at 1 until 9:00 AM, where it begins to rise sharply. By 10:00 AM, the index reaches 5, indicating moderate exposure risk, but by 12:00 PM, it hits a peak of 9, categorizing it as very high. The intensity continues to climb, reaching a maximum of 11 at 2:00 PM, suggesting that outdoor activities should be approached with caution. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, settling back to 3 by 6:00 PM and finally dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underlines the importance of sun safety as the sun reaches its zenith, making midday hours especially critical for skin protection. 🌞
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risk. High-risk months occur from April through September, with the peak UV Index reaching 11 in June, categorized as extreme, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January and December present the lowest risk, with UV Index levels of 3 and 2, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the very high to extreme UV periods; wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing are essential measures to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Regularly checking the daily UV Index will help ensure safe outdoor activities throughout the year.
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 |
| Atlanta | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 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 |