Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying mindful of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in Portland, Oregon. With its Dfb climate, the city experiences a diverse range of weather; however, the UV levels can spike unexpectedly, especially during midday. Understanding the UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, the UV Index here can soar to 9 around noon, making awareness essential for outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking in the lush forests or enjoying a summer festival, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure fun in the sun doesn’t come with painful consequences!
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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, influencing both visitor and resident safety. January and December boast a low UV Index of 2, allowing for extended exposure times of 45 minutes without significant risk. However, as we move into spring with February and March, the UV Index rises to 4 and 5 respectively, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of just 30 minutes. The high-risk months arrive in April through August, with peak values of 9 and 10 during May and June, categorizing the exposure as very high and shortening safe sun exposure to as little as 15 minutes. September sees a slight decrease to a high index of 7, while October and November return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the higher UV months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen regularly to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 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 |