Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial in New Orleans—a city known for its vibrant culture and sunny weather. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 around midday, understanding these measurements is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. High humidity and warm conditions typical of New Orleans can significantly amplify UV exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors to check the UV Index regularly. By being proactive, you can enjoy all the outdoor adventures this beautiful city has to offer, while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises today, the UV Index gradually climbs from a peaceful 1 at 07:00 to a peak intensity of 12 at 13:00. The morning hours see mild levels, with a gentle increase to 4 by 09:00 and reaching 6 by 10:00. However, as noon approaches, the UV radiation becomes increasingly intense, hitting 9 at 11:00 and soaring to its maximum of 11 at 12:00. The afternoon then witnesses a slight decrease, with values dropping to 8 at 15:00 before continuing to decline into the evening, finally settling back to 2 by 19:00. With such a sharp midday peak, it’s crucial to take precautions and protect your skin during those sunlit 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for sun exposure occur from February to August, where UV Index levels reach very high to extreme values, particularly in April, May, June, and July, with indexes of 11 to 12 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. As we transition into fall and winter, UV levels gradually decrease, with November and December presenting lower risk (UV Index of 6 and 5, respectively), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Nevertheless, awareness remains crucial year-round, as moderate UV exposure can still cause adverse effects.
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 |
| New Orleans | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |