Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, where the Cfa climate brings warm, humid summers with intense sunlight. As the UV levels can soar to a staggering 12 around noon, awareness can significantly help in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. The risk for overexposure is particularly high during the peak hours, making it essential for locals to monitor these levels daily. By staying informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation while enjoying the sunny days that Donaldsonville has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its dramatic ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and gradually increasing throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a more noticeable 4, and at 10:00, it hits 6. The real intensity arrives at 12:00, peaking at a scorching 11, followed closely by 12 at 13:00, making noon the most critical time for sun safety. As afternoon slips into evening, the index steadily declines, showcasing 11 at 14:00, before tapering off to 3 by 17:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 18:00. From morning’s cautious rays to the afternoon's blazing sun, this day exemplifies the need for sun protection during its peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which can significantly impact sun safety for visitors and residents. January and December see moderate exposure with a UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in February, the UV Index escalates to 8, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are during the summer, from April to August, where the index peaks at 12, denoting an extreme exposure category, and a quick burn time of only 10 minutes. Even September remains a high-risk month with an index of 11. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions during these high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Donaldsonville | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |