Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Carbondale, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Understanding local UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during the sun's peak hours. With Carbondale's humid subtropical climate, residents face unique exposure risks throughout the year, often experiencing high UV readings—reaching a peak of 10 during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin against its damaging effects.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those peak hours!
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months identified as April through August when the UV levels reach very high to extreme (UV Index 9-11) and burn times drop as low as 10 to 15 minutes. Particularly, June and July represent peak periods of solar exposure, emphasizing the need for heightened sun safety precautions. As visitors and residents engage in outdoor activities, it is crucial to apply sunscreen generously, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak sun hours. Conversely, the UV Index decreases from September through December, with moderate levels in the colder months, allowing for safer outdoor experiences with less urgency for sun protective measures.
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 |
Carbondale | 3 | 6 | 7 | 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 |