Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Gibsland, Louisiana, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With summer temperatures often soaring and the local climate categorized as Cfa, residents face significant exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially during the midday hours when the UV Index peaks at an alarming 12. By being aware of daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Knowing when the sun's rays are strongest—notably between 10 AM and 2 PM—empowers you to make informed choices that keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing as the sun rises higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge occurs at 10:00, leaping to 6. The peak comes at 12:00 with a blistering 11, continuing at 13:00 with a maximum of 12—a strong reminder for sun safety! As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity gracefully dips, falling to 9 by 15:00, then to 4 at 17:00. Finally, as daylight wanes, the UV levels drop back down to a soothing 2 by 18:00, and return to the calm 1 by 19:00. This progression showcases not only the sun's power but also the importance of taking protective measures, especially during midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from April to August, where levels reach 11 to 12 and are categorized as extreme. This indicates a burn time of only 10 minutes during these peak months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as exposure can lead to serious skin damage. March and September also present elevated risks with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, categorized as very high. It's advisable for everyone to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is most intense. In comparison, the months of January, December, and November see lower UV indices (ranging from 4 to 6), where the burn time increases to 25-30 minutes, though sun protection is still recommended.
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 |
| Gibsland | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |