Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bloomington, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, helping you enjoy the outdoors more safely. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Bloomington experiences varied UV exposure throughout the day. Notably, UV Index peaks in the early afternoon, reaching levels as high as 11, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, it gradually climbs to reach 4 by 10:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity surges, hitting a notable maximum of 11 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, suggesting a significant potential for skin damage without protection. The index then begins a steady decline, tapering to 3 by 6:00 PM and falling further to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun safety practices, especially during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
| 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 | 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 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.
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 |
| Bloomington | 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 |