Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Syracuse, United States, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. With the region's Dfa climate characterized by warm summers, residents face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. On peak days, UV levels can soar to 9 around midday, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these fluctuations. By staying informed about the local UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index today starts off gently, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM, making early morning outdoor activities relatively safe. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily to 4 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, reaching a peak of 9 at 1:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the day transitions, the UV Index gradually declines after 2:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Whether you're heading out for work or leisure, knowing these hours can help you stay protected under the sun!
| 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with notable spikes during the summer months. January and February have a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, respectively, allowing for around 30 minutes of sun exposure before burning. However, as spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high UV Index of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The intensity peaks in April and continues through August, where the UV Index reaches a very high level of 9 or 10, resulting in only 15 minutes of safe exposure. September starts to ease with an index of 8, followed by a return to high levels in October (6) and gradually decreasing to moderate levels in November and December (4 and 3, respectively). High-risk months for UV exposure are from April through September, during which residents and visitors are advised to take precautions such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Syracuse | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 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 |