UV Index in Bedford, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Bedford, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to be aware of the daily UV indices to protect yourself during peak sunlight hours. Bedford enjoys a Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers that often see UV levels soaring to harmful heights—reaching a maximum of 11 around midday! Stay informed and take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely while maintaining your skin's health.

Hourly UV Index in Bedford

At dawn, the UV Index starts gently, peaking at 1 by 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for early morning strolls. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually increases, reaching 4 by 10:00 and soaring to a striking 9 by noon. The sun reaches its zenith around 13:00, with a blistering 10, and even escalates to an impressive 11 by 14:00—the highest point of the day. As afternoon turns to evening, the index retreats; it dips to 8 by 16:00 and further down to a moderate 3 by 18:00, offering a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. By 19:00, the UV intensity settles at a humble 2, signalling that the sun is winding down, making way for a lovely evening.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	4	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	10	very high	15 min
16:00	8	very high	15 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	2	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bedford

As the seasons shift, the UV Index reveals a significant increase in ultraviolet radiation, particularly from March to September, indicating a heightened risk of sunburn and skin damage. The high-risk months are clearly defined from April to August, with the peak reaching a UV Index of 11 in June. During these times, the exposure category escalates to very high or extreme, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's intensity is at its peak. As the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter months, maintaining awareness and protection remains essential to ensure skin health year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bedford, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bedford. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bedford, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bedford UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bedford compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bedford's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Bedford	3	5	7	9	10	11	10	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