Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Acton, United States. As exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin damage, including painful sunburns and long-term health issues, being aware of daily UV levels empowers you to protect your skin effectively. With Acton's climate classified as Dfb, the potential for high UV exposure peaks during the summer months, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when readings can soar to a maximum of 10. Staying informed about the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also plays a vital role in maintaining optimal skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its climb, peaking spectacularly around midday. At 07:00, it registers a mild 1, barely a whisper of sunlight. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gentle reminder to start considering protection. However, the real intensity hits at 10:00, where the index reaches 7, a clear indication that the sun is getting serious. At 11:00, it surges to a striking 9, and by 12:00 and 13:00, it reaches its zenith at 10—a moment to take shade and apply sunscreen diligently! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with levels easing to 9 at 14:00, and 7 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the index descends to 5 at 16:00, 3 at 17:00, and returns to a gentle 1 by 19:00, wrapping up a day of fluctuating sun intensity. Remember, during those peak hours, protecting your skin is essential!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months typically from April to August, where the UV Index peaks at levels of 8 to 10, resulting in a very high exposure category and a quick burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, and December feature a much lower UV Index, ranging from 2 to 4, which is classified as low to moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. To protect against harmful UV rays, it’s crucial for visitors and residents alike to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the peak sun hours, especially from April to August when sun safety practices should be a top priority.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acton | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |