Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Salem, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 during midday, awareness of UV exposure can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Salem's humid subtropical climate brings varied seasonal sun exposure, making it essential to remain vigilant. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding their skin.
Starting the day with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun quickly ramps up its intensity. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, but things really heat up as the clock strikes 9:00 AM with a 5. The peak sun hours are between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to a significant 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After noon, the Index begins a gradual decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM and then to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV intensity. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 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 |
| Salem | 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 |