Last updated: June 2, 2025
As residents of Madawaska, it's crucial to stay informed about the UV Index, which provides valuable insights into the sun's intensity and potential risks for skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the warmer months when Madawaska's Dfb climate can lead to increased UV exposure. With maximum UV Index readings reaching up to 10 in midday, being aware of these values allows you to take proactive steps toward safer outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the sun while protecting your skin.
As the sun rises and the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak around noon, soaring to 10 at 12:00 PM and maintaining intensity until 1:00 PM. Early risers can enjoy moderate exposure with values of 2 at 7:00 AM and gradually increasing to 3 by 8:00 AM. However, the real heat of the day hits at 11:00 AM, where the index climbs to 8, signaling a cautionary alert for sun safety. As afternoon approaches, values dip to 7 at 3:00 PM, then drop further to 5 and 3 in the early evening. By the time the sun sets, the UV Index recedes to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM, making it a perfect time for a leisurely evening stroll. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin health. January and December show the lowest UV Index (2), indicating low exposure risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. As we move through February and March, the UV Index rises to moderate levels (3-5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months begin in April, peaking in May and June with UV indices of 7-10 and very high exposure risks, corresponding to a dangerous burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain this high risk, then taper off in September with a drop to a high category (7), allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. By October and November, the exposure risk lessens again to moderate levels, before returning to low in December. Visitors and residents are advised to use adequate sun protection, especially during the high and very high months, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madawaska | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 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 |