Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Shelbyville, as it serves as a vital indicator of potential sun exposure and the associated health risks. With peak values reaching up to 10 during midday hours, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Shelbyville’s humid subtropical climate (Cfa) means residents are frequently exposed to the sun’s rays, amplifying the need to stay informed about daily UV conditions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to a 2, signaling the day is warming up. However, the intensity ramps up dramatically around 10:00 AM, peaking at 9 by 12:00 PM. The highest alert comes at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 10, indicating it’s time to seek shade and protect your skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index recedes slowly, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and settling down to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, during peak hours, the sun's rays are most potent—stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which indicate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. January and December have moderate UV levels (3), requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before the risk of burning increases. February sees an uptick to a UV Index of 5, maintaining a similar burn time. From March through October, the UV Index escalates, peaking at 10 from May to August, classifying these months as very high risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April also falls into the very high category with a UV Index of 9. As fall approaches, September sees a slight decrease to 8, while October returns to a high level of 7. The high-risk months to be especially cautious are from March to October, where prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during these peak months.
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 |
| Shelbyville | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |