Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bennington, United States, where sunny days can quickly lead to harmful effects on skin health. The UV Index provides essential information about the sun's intensity and helps guide us in taking protective measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Bennington's Cfa climate, which brings warm summers and abundant sunlight, awareness of daily UV levels becomes particularly important. With peak indices reaching as high as 11 in the early afternoon, staying informed can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. However, by 09:00, it jumps to 3 and continues to climb rapidly, reaching a significant 8 by 11:00. High noon brings the peak UV index of 10 at 12:00, followed by an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, signaling a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then decreasing to 7 at 16:00 and 5 by 17:00. Post-sunset, the index falls sharply to 3 at 18:00 and settles back at 1 as the day concludes at 19:00. This data underscores the importance of staying shielded from midday sun when the UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reflect a pattern of increasing intensity from winter to summer and a decline toward winter again. High-risk months occur from March to August, peaking in June and July when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, residents and visitors should take extra precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As the fall approaches, UV levels gradually decrease, but caution should still be exercised in September and early October when UV values remain elevated. Overall, ensuring proper skin protection is crucial during the high-risk periods to mitigate the dangers of UV exposure.
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 |
| Bennington | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |