Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Cottonport, Louisiana, especially given the region's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) that often results in elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and protect your long-term skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuating UV levels can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection measures. Stay sun-safe and enjoy all that Cottonport has to offer while safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it hits 4, signaling a moderate increase. The real ascent occurs from 10:00 onward, peaking at an intense 12 by 13:00, where sun protection becomes essential. This peak is followed by a brief dip, as the index drops to 9 at 15:00, before tapering off towards the evening. As the day comes to a close, UV levels reduce to 3 at 17:00 and settle back to 1 by 19:00, highlighting the critical hours for sun exposure between 11:00 and 14:00. Stay safe and protect your skin during those peak UV times!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks. January starts with a UV Index of 5 (moderate), but by February it spikes to 8 (very high). The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily March through August, where values reach 9 and maintain a dangerous 11 to 12 (extreme). During these peak months, the burn times drop to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilance. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. As the season transitions into September and October, the UV levels taper off but remain at 10 and 8, making sun safety still essential. By November and December, the levels lessen to 6 and 4 respectively, allowing for more lenient sun exposure but still encouraging protective habits.
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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Cottonport | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |