Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Guilford, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As a community with a Dfb climate, our summers can bring elevated UV levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index peaks at 8—a critical threshold for increased sunburn risk. Staying aware of these UV levels is vital not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health. By knowing the daily UV Index in Guilford, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling the beginning of a more significant UV exposure. The real intensity begins at 10:00, peaking at 8 between 12:00 and 14:00, ensuring that midday sun-seekers are well advised to apply sunscreen and seek shade. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping back to 6 at 15:00 and continuing its descent to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 by 18:00, bringing an end to the day's sun exposure. Remember, during those peak hours, protection is key!
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 | 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 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guilford | 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 |