Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Rochester, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, awareness can dramatically reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Rochester’s humid continental climate, it's essential to stay informed about typical UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when levels can soar as high as 9. Being proactive about UV protection can help you enjoy the beautiful sunshine while keeping your skin healthy and radiant!
The UV Index during this day exhibits a notable climb and fall, reaching its peak of 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Starting the day at a mild 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, it gradually transitions to 2 by 9 AM. The significant rise begins at 10 AM, where it spikes to 4 and continues to escalate, hitting 6 at 11 AM and an impressive 8 by noon. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index maxes out at 9, indicating a strong need for protection against UV radiation. Subsequently, it starts to dip, settling down to 7 by 4 PM, and gracefully tapering off to 1 by 7 PM. To stay safe and enjoy the outdoors, it's crucial to take precautions during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |
| Rochester | 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 |