Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Ashland, United States, where the climate encourages outdoor activities throughout the year. With the potential for high UV levels, particularly during peak hours, being aware of these fluctuations is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. On sunny days, the UV Index can soar as high as 10, especially from 12 PM to 1 PM, posing significant risks for overexposure. Given Ashland’s Dfb climate zone, with its distinct seasons, it's vital to stay informed about UV exposure risks and take proactive measures to protect your skin while enjoying the great outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a clear pattern of increasing intensity under the sun. Starting the morning at a moderate level of 2 at 07:00, the index gradually rises to a notable 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a peak of 5, but the real intensity hits as it climbs to a significant 7 at 10:00. The sun’s potency peaks around 12:00, soaring to a maximum of 10, with this level sustained until 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and then tapering down to 7 at 15:00. The evening ushers in a gentle decline, with the UV Index falling to 3 at 17:00, and finally settling at a low 1 by 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin, especially during peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, highlighting the need for awareness regarding sun exposure. January and December feature a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. In the spring, the UV Index begins to escalate, with April reaching a high of 7 (high exposure category) and a 25-minute burn time. The summer months, particularly May and June, present the greatest risk with a peak UV Index of 10 and a burn time of just 15 minutes. As we transition into late summer and fall, the UV Index decreases slightly, but September still holds a significant 7, indicating high risk. To ensure safety, residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection, especially from May through September, when UV radiation is at its highest. Appropriate measures include wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 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 |