Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bethel, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months when the index can soar to levels of 9 during midday. Understanding UV levels not only helps you protect against immediate effects like painful sunburn but also supports long-term skin health by reducing the risk of skin cancer. With Bethel’s Dfb climate characterized by warm summers and relatively high UV exposure, being informed about UV risks can empower residents to enjoy the outdoors safely while taking the necessary precautions.
The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the hours. It starts off gently at 1 at 07:00, but as the morning progresses, it climbs swiftly to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 4 at 09:00. The sun intensifies its rays further, peaking at a robust 9 between 12:00 and 13:00—a reminder to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually descends, dipping to 6 at 15:00, and mellowing down to 1 by 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade or applying sunscreen during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from April to August, when the UV Index reaches its peak, particularly in June at 10, indicating a very high exposure category where burn time is only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present lower risks, with a UV Index of 2 and burn times of 45 minutes. As UV levels change, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the warmer months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In the cooler months, while the risk is lower, it's still wise to remain vigilant, particularly during midday hours when UV rays can still pose a threat.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bethel | 2 | 4 | 6 | 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 |