Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zachary, United States, where the warm Cfa climate brings a mix of sun exposure and potential risks. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these figures is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. As you plan your outdoor activities, being mindful of the UV Index can help safeguard against harmful effects, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Louisiana sun while minimizing your risk.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing as the sun rises higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge occurs at 10:00, leaping to 6. The peak comes at 12:00 with a blistering 11, continuing at 13:00 with a maximum of 12—a strong reminder for sun safety! As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity gracefully dips, falling to 9 by 15:00, then to 4 at 17:00. Finally, as daylight wanes, the UV levels drop back down to a soothing 2 by 18:00, and return to the calm 1 by 19:00. This progression showcases not only the sun's power but also the importance of taking protective measures, especially during midday hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks. January starts with a UV Index of 5 (moderate), but by February it spikes to 8 (very high). The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily March through August, where values reach 9 and maintain a dangerous 11 to 12 (extreme). During these peak months, the burn times drop to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilance. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. As the season transitions into September and October, the UV levels taper off but remain at 10 and 8, making sun safety still essential. By November and December, the levels lessen to 6 and 4 respectively, allowing for more lenient sun exposure but still encouraging protective habits.
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 |
| Zachary | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |