Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ashland, United States, where the climate often leads to significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as even moderate UV readings can contribute to long-term skin damage. Given Ashland's Dfb climate zone, residents must stay vigilant about daily UV fluctuations, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to 8 around midday. With the UV Index ranging from 1 early in the day to as high as 8 in the afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin under the sun.
The UV Index forecast reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking in the late morning to early afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates to a substantial 8 around 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a highest exposure risk. Post-peak, the index gently descends to 7 at 14:00, before tapering down to 2 by 17:00, and finally settling back at 1 by evening. To maximize safety and enjoyment under the sun, it’s essential to stay protected, especially during that critical midday window when UV radiation is at its strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |