Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Edinburgh, United States, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Being aware of the UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm summers, Edinburgh sees UV levels climb notably around midday, reaching a high of 11 between noon and 2 PM. This highlights the critical need for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV exposure risks and protect themselves against harmful radiation.
The UV Index begins the day with a gentle rise, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, ideal for those seeking gentle morning sunlight. As the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates, peaking at a striking 11 around 14:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you're outdoors during peak hours! The afternoon shows a gradual decline, dipping to 9 at 15:00, and further waning to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels as evening approaches. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the day!
| 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Edinburgh | 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 |