Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lancaster, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, being aware of these measurements helps prevent sunburns and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. Lancaster’s Cfa climate typically offers sunny days, making it imperative to stay informed about the UV exposure risks, especially during midday when levels peak at a high of 11. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation.
The UV Index for the day reflects a dynamic shift in solar intensity as the hours progress. Starting off at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, hitting 2 by 09:00. A noticeable surge occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where it peaks at an impressive 9. The hottest moments arrive at 13:00 and 14:00, reaching a maximum of 11, indicating a high risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gently decline, dropping to 5 by 17:00 and further down to 1 by 19:00. Be sure to take precautions during the midday hours to protect your skin from potential harm!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from April to August, where indices peak at 11 in June and July, categorized as extreme with a burn time of only 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during this period, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently. As spring transitions into summer, the UV index rises sharply, reaching very high levels in May and August, and dropping to high in March and October. The months of January, November, and December see lower risks with a moderate index of 3 or 5, allowing for more extended safe sun exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should monitor UV levels closely and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to safeguard their skin health.
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 |
| Lancaster | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 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 |