Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ashland, United States, is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and safeguarding skin health. With the region’s Cfa climate offering warm summers and moderate winters, the UV exposure can reach particularly high levels, especially during midday hours. For instance, during the peak hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, Ashland’s community can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The hourly UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently in the early morning, with maximum readings of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, it gradually begins to climb. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a noticeable increase in UV exposure. The sun peaks dramatically at 12:00, soaring to a 10, reaching its zenith with a maximum of 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00—a prime time for sun protection. As the afternoon slips into evening, the UV Index begins to recede, dropping to 8 by 16:00, and then tapering off to 5 at 17:00. The day winds down with a safe 3 at 18:00 and returns to a manageable 1 by 19:00, reminding us to stay vigilant and enjoy the sun responsibly throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from April to August. In this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, particularly in May, June, and July, necessitating quick precautions as the burn time can be as brief as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As summer fades, the UV levels decrease, but caution remains advisable, particularly in September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 7). In the winter months, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, but it’s still essential to protect your skin, as even during these times, burn times can be as short as 30 minutes in January and November. Always stay informed and practice sun safety year-round!
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 |
| Ashland | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |