Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of North Vacherie, where the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) brings abundant sunshine year-round. Knowing the UV levels helps protect against sunburn and fosters long-term skin health, particularly during peak sunlight hours. With the UV Index soaring to a maximum of 12 around midday, it's crucial to stay informed and take preventive measures to shield your skin from harmful rays. Embrace the sun responsibly, and enjoy all that North Vacherie has to offer while prioritizing your health!
The UV Index for the day exhibits a striking climb as the sun rises, starting at a mild 1 by 07:00 and steadily increasing to reach its peak at 12 by 13:00. During the sun's zenith, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index soars to a high of 11, signaling a strong need for protection against harmful rays. As afternoon transitions to evening, the index gracefully declines; it drops to 8 by 15:00, then further diminishes to 1 by 19:00. For a safe outdoor experience, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your skin especially during the peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |
| North Vacherie | 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 |