Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn in Detroit, United States. With its typical Dfb climate, residents face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. As the sun rises and UV levels peak at around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference. The UV Index in Detroit can reach values as high as 10 during summer months, highlighting the importance of awareness and protection. Stay informed to safeguard your skin and enjoy the sunny days safely!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for early risers. As the day progresses, the sun climbs higher, pushing the index to 3 by 8:00 AM, and reaching a moderate 5 by 9:00 AM. 10:00 AM marks a turning point with a significant jump to 7, and by 11:00 AM, it peaks at an impressive 9. The intensity continues to soar, hitting a maximum of 10 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, and further declining to 5 by 4:00 PM. As day transitions into evening, the UV Index gradually recedes, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun's rays are strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. May and June stand out as the months with the highest risk, featuring very high UV Index values of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for a burn time as short as 15 minutes. From April to August, the UV exposure is particularly concerning, with values of 7 or more, categorizing these months as high to very high risk for skin damage. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its peak. As we transition into fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, becoming low in January and December, providing a reprieve from intense sun exposure and longer burn times of 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 2 | 4 | 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 |