Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial in Lexington, United States, where the sunny Cfa climate can lead to significant UV exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health from long-term damage. With peak UV readings reaching 11 around midday, it's vital to take precautions during these hours. Knowing when UV levels are highest empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful Kentucky outdoors while safeguarding their skin.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases an intriguing pattern of intensity. Starting low at 07:00 and 08:00, with a manageable score of 1, the sun's rays gradually intensify. By 09:00, the index climbs to 3, hinting at a warmer day ahead. The peak arrives at noon, hitting a striking 9, and just a little later, the UVI reaches its zenith at 13:00 and 14:00, both at an impressive 11. As the afternoon progresses, the UV exposure starts to wane, dipping to 9 at 15:00 and further decreasing to 5 by 17:00. The evening cools down significantly, with the index returning to the comfortable levels of 3 at 18:00 and finally resting at 1 by 19:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in the UV Index illustrate a notable increase in sun exposure risk from late winter through summer. January and December feature a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for 30 minutes of potential sun exposure without burning, while February slightly rises to 5. The risk escalates significantly from March (UV Index 7) to April (UV Index 9) as the burn time decreases to 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The peak occurs in June with an extreme index of 11, significantly lowering the burn time to just 10 minutes, marking it as a month of high concern. July, August, and September maintain a very high index of 10 and 9, suggesting that residents and visitors should take extra precautions, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these months. As temperatures cool down in October (7) and November (5), the risk subsides to high and moderate levels again, offering a slight respite. Overall, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant about UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of April to September.
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 |
| Lexington | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 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 |