UV Index in Scranton, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Scranton, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. The UV Index provides vital information on the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is particularly important during the summer months when the risk of overexposure is heightened. With Scranton's Cfa climate, you can expect varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a UV Index of 10 around 1 PM and 2 PM, signaling significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels empowers residents to take proactive measures to protect their skin and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Hourly UV Index in Scranton

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!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 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	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 Scranton

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Scranton, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Scranton. 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 Scranton, 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 Scranton UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Scranton 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.

Scranton'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
Scranton	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