Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ponchatoula, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 12 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Ponchatoula's humid subtropical climate, typical summer days can expose residents and visitors to intense sunlight, particularly from 10 AM to 4 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months typically span from February to September, with the UV Index peaking at 12 in June, characterized as extreme exposure, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Both April and May also report an extreme index of 11, reinforcing the need for caution. From October to November, the risk diminishes to very high and high levels, respectively, allowing for more manageable exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during the peak months by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest. Staying informed and vigilant about UV levels can help prevent skin damage and promote safer outdoor activities year-round.
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 |
| Ponchatoula | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |