Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Roanoke, United States is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. As a city characterized by its humid subtropical climate, Roanoke experiences varying levels of UV radiation, peaking in the summer months. The UV Index can reach levels of 11 and 12 during midday, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without the threat of damaging sunburns or long-term skin issues.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic shift throughout the day, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing steadily to a peak of 12 at 1:00 PM. Between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, sun exposure is most intense, with values reaching 9 and 11, making it crucial for outdoor activities to come with protective measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, offering relief with readings of 9 at 3:00 PM, 7 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 2 by 6:00 PM. For evening relaxation, the UV Index settles back to a minimal 1 by 7:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's solar intensity.
| 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 | 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring from April to August. During this peak period, particularly in May, June, July, and August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12, requiring just 10 minutes of exposure for skin to begin burning. The months of February and March also pose a high risk, with very high UV Index values of 8 and 9, respectively. As a result, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During the cooler months of November through January, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, indicating a lower risk, but it remains advisable to stay vigilant about sun protection 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 |
| Roanoke | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |