Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Bluffton, United States is crucial for both residents and visitors, as understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Bluffton, with its Dfa climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a dangerous level of 10 between noon and 2 PM. This highlights the importance of protecting your skin during these hours, where even short sun exposure can lead to harmful effects. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy Bluffton’s beautiful outdoor scenery while ensuring your skin remains healthy and protected.
The UV Index starts off gentle in the early hours, peaking at 1 around 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun ascends, it gradually climbs to reach 2 by 09:00 and then surges to 4 by 10:00. A significant spike occurs around 11:00, peaking at 6, before reaching its zenith of 10 from 13:00 to 14:00—a crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, tapering down to 7 at 16:00, then to 5 by 17:00. As the sun sets, it drops to 3 at 18:00, and finally sinks back to a safe 1 by 19:00, reminding us to be cautious in the midday sun while enjoying the warm daylight.
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through September, when the UV Index reaches very high levels of 9 or 10, significantly reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the winter months of December and January present lower UV risks, with indices of 2 and 3, allowing for safer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes. Overall, awareness of seasonal changes in UV levels is crucial for protecting skin health 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 |
Bluffton | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 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 |