Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Independence, United States, understanding the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized as Cfa, residents frequently experience significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 11. This awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine safely. Keep an eye on the UV levels throughout the day, particularly around midday, when the risk of harmful effects is at its highest, ensuring you take the right precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its modest ascent, starting at a gentle 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it picks up to 3, hinting at a sunnier day ahead. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a striking 10 at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 11 by 1:00 PM—perfect for those sun-seeking adventurers! However, after this zenith, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and further easing to a 4 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, it falls to 2, and as the sun sets, it returns to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during those peak hours to protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 5 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which pose varying risks for sun exposure. January and December maintain moderate UV levels (3), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while February sees a slight increase to 5. March marks the onset of higher risks with a UV index of 7, categorized as high, and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The months of April and May reach an alarming UV index of 10, labeled as very high, where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. The peak of danger occurs during June and July, with an extreme UV index of 11, demanding caution with an even shorter burn time of 10 minutes. August and September continue to present significant risks, both at a UV index of 10 and 9, respectively. As the year winds down, October sees a decrease to a high level of 7, while November and December return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of March through September, especially during the peak summer months of June and July, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Independence | 3 | 5 | 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 |