UV Index in Columbus, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Columbus, United States, as it provides vital information about sun exposure and its potential health risks. With a climate marked by significant variations in seasonal sunshine, knowing the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote better skin health. Columbus experiences peak UV exposure, especially during late morning and early afternoon, when the index can reach levels of 10 to 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Columbus

The UV Index reveals a dynamic daily pattern, starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, and gradually climbing to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, 12:00 PM also sees a high of 10, signaling an urgent need for sun protection. After this peak, a downward trend persists, with readings dropping to 7 by 4:00 PM, and further declining to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of remaining vigilant about UV exposure during the midday hours when the risk is greatest, highlighting the necessity of precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Columbus

During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. April and May both feature a very high UV Index of 10, while June and July reach an extreme level of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time decreases significantly during these months, dropping to just 10 minutes in June and July. Conversely, UV levels are moderate in January, November, and December, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of overexposure. Awareness of these UV changes is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Columbus, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Columbus. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Columbus, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Columbus UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Columbus compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Columbus's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Columbus	3	6	7	10	10	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