Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Towson, Maryland, where sunny days and warm weather create ideal conditions for outdoor activities—but also elevate the risk of harmful UV exposure. Knowing UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, allowing you to enjoy Towson’s vibrant climate while minimizing the potential for skin damage. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 10 during midday, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and prepared for the sun’s intensity, especially during the warm summer months typical of the Cfa climate zone. Stay informed and protect yourself under the Towson sun!
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a significant rise, peaking at 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating the most intense sun exposure. Early morning hours began with a mild UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 9 AM. As the sun climbed higher, it reached 8 at 11 AM, surging to 9 at noon. Following the peak, there was a slight decline, with values dropping to 8 at 3 PM and gradually easing to 1 by 7 PM. For those spending time outdoors, the window between 11 AM and 3 PM necessitated cautious sun protection strategies, while the morning and evening hours offered a more manageable UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows distinct seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically spanning from March to September. The UV Index peaks in May, June, and July at 10, indicating a very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses when outdoors. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December have a more manageable UV Index, categorized as moderate, with burn times of 30 minutes. It is essential for everyone to stay informed and adjust their sun protection strategies accordingly as UV levels fluctuate throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Towson | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |