Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Natchitoches, Louisiana, where the warm, humid climate can lead to elevated sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 around midday, it’s vital to recognize the risks associated with unprotected sun exposure, including sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. With Natchitoches' sunny disposition, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, so does the UV Index, peaking dramatically around noon. At 07:00, the index starts at a mild 1, perfect for early risers. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, prompting a gentle reminder to apply sunscreen. The index rises steadily, hitting 3 at 09:00, and leaping to 6 by 10:00. The real intensity strikes at 11:00, reaching 8, and the zenith is a scorching 11 at 12:00, warning outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The intensity remains high with 12 at 13:00, before gradually descending to 11 at 14:00 and 9 by 15:00. As the afternoon winds down, the index drops to 4 at 17:00, and finally back to a modest 1 by 19:00, signaling the end of a sun-soaked day. Always stay informed and protect your skin during peak UV 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 | 8 | 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 | 7 | 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, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for sun exposure are from March to August, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 12, necessitating a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially in these months, ensuring they apply sunscreen frequently, seek shade, and wear protective clothing. As the seasons transition, September and October still show elevated levels at 10 and 8, respectively, marking them as considerable months for UV exposure. It’s advised to remain vigilant even in the cooler months; while January and December pose a lower risk with UV Index levels of 5 and 4, adopting sun safety practices year-round is crucial for skin protection.
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 |
| Natchitoches | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |