Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Elgin, United States, where varying exposure levels can significantly impact skin health and sunburn risk. The UV Index helps you gauge the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on any given day, allowing you to take necessary precautions to protect your skin. With Elgin's climate typically marked by hot summers and moderate UV levels peaking at 9 during midday, awareness of these levels becomes essential for ensuring safe sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply spending time in the sun, a keen understanding of the UV Index can help you make informed decisions for healthier skin all year round.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, indicating minimal risk. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, still manageable for early risers. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM with a 3, signaling the need for a little sunscreen. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it soars to a striking 9 at 1:00 PM, which suggests strong sun protection is essential. Following this, the index slips down, recorded at 8 at 2:00 PM and 7 at 3:00 PM, offering a brief reprieve. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index drops steadily, landing back at 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes that impact sun safety for residents and visitors. From April to September, the UV Index peaks, reaching levels as high as 10 in the summer months of June and July. This indicates a very high exposure category, with a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes during these months. Conversely, during the winter months of December through February, the UV Index is considerably lower, ranging from 2 to 4, with a burn time of 30 to 45 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of April to September, and take appropriate protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize their risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| 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 |