Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Galena, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin in the region's humid subtropical climate. With peak UV levels reaching 10 during midday hours, understanding these fluctuations is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index can help you make informed choices to shield yourself from harmful radiation. As Galena experiences significant sun exposure, especially in the summer, being mindful of UV risks can pave the way for safer, more enjoyable experiences in the great outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to a 2, signaling the day is warming up. However, the intensity ramps up dramatically around 10:00 AM, peaking at 9 by 12:00 PM. The highest alert comes at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 10, indicating it’s time to seek shade and protect your skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index recedes slowly, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and settling down to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, during peak hours, the sun's rays are most potent—stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations, with higher levels typically peaking during the summer months. From March to September, UV levels reach high to extreme categories, particularly from April to June, where the Index hits a maximum of 11 in June. This indicates heightened risks for sunburn, with burn times decreasing to as little as 10 minutes during the most intense months. April to August marks the high-risk period, where residents and visitors are strongly advised to adopt protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, the fall and winter months of October to February witness lower UV exposure, making sun protection less urgent but still necessary during midday hours, as UV Index levels remain moderate to high.
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 |
| Galena | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |