Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Urbana, United States, where the Dfa climate can bring diverse weather conditions, leading to varying UV exposure. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With peak UV ratings reaching as high as 11 during midday hours, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures against harmful rays. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring during the late spring and summer months. From April to September, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly peaking in June at an Index of 11, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Consequently, visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this period, especially in May through August, where the burn time remains critical at 15 minutes for high UV levels. In contrast, the months from October to March exhibit a moderate UV Index, with safer burn times of 30 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to adopt appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, during those peak months to minimize skin damage and health risks.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Urbana | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
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 |