Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Athens, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. With an average climate in the Dfb zone, residents are exposed to fluctuating UV levels that can lead to significant health risks if not properly managed. Understanding the UV levels—like the moderate highs reaching 9 between noon and 1 PM—empowers you to make informed decisions on sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the vibrant outdoors without compromising your skin's well-being. Stay savvy about the UV Index to keep your fun in the sun safe!
The UV Index for the day reveals an intensifying sun, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a striking value of 9. Early in the day, at 7:00 AM, the index starts low at 1, allowing a gradual increase to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the hours progress, the UV exposure rises sharply, hitting 6 by 10:00 AM, and climbing to its maximum of 8 at 11:00 AM before reaching its zenith. After this midday spike, a gentle decline begins; the levels drop back to 8 at 2:00 PM, then 6 at 3:00 PM, and further decrease to 2 by 5:00 PM. The sun sets on the day’s UV journey with lingering low values of 1 for the last few hours. It's a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, influencing sun exposure and the risk of skin damage. From January to March, UV exposure is generally low to moderate, with the highest burn time of 45 minutes in January decreasing to 30 minutes by February and March. April to August marks a critical period with very high UV levels, peaking in June at an index of 10, where the burn time shrinks to just 15 minutes. Following this peak, UV intensity slightly decreases in September (UV Index 7), allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes, before tapering off again in the last quarter of the year to moderate levels. Thus, residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and use sun protection—from April through August, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 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 |