Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Ruston, Louisiana, where the sun frequently shines bright in its Cfa climate zone. Awareness of UV levels can significantly contribute to sunburn prevention and overall skin health, helping to mitigate long-term risks associated with sun exposure. As Ruston experiences peak UV Index readings of 11 during midday, it’s important for locals to stay informed about these levels and take necessary precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index today rises steadily from the early morning, reaching a peak of 11 at noon and maintaining that intensity through the early afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00, it quickly escalates to 2 at 8:00, then 3 by 9:00. At 10:00, it hits 6, and by 11:00, it soars to 9, signaling a significant increase in UV exposure. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index stabilizes at an alarming 11 from 12:00 to 14:00, before gradually descending to 9 at 15:00, and tapering off in the evening to 4 by 17:00, finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a day to embrace the sun while keeping sunscreen and protective gear close at hand!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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, with the highest values occurring from April to August, where levels reach 11 to 12 and are categorized as extreme. This indicates a burn time of only 10 minutes during these peak months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as exposure can lead to serious skin damage. March and September also present elevated risks with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, categorized as very high. It's advisable for everyone to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is most intense. In comparison, the months of January, December, and November see lower UV indices (ranging from 4 to 6), where the burn time increases to 25-30 minutes, though sun protection is still recommended.
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 |
| Ruston | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |