Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Amherst Center, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays, especially during the peak hours when the index reaches a significant level of 9 around midday. As part of a Dfb climate zone, Amherst Center experiences a range of weather conditions that can influence UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed. By knowing when UV levels are highest, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin’s health.
The UV Index today presents a notable climb as the sun ascends, peaking at 9 around noon and early afternoon, signaling very high sun exposure risk. Starting gently at 1 by 7 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 6 by 10 AM and then surging to its maximum of 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Early afternoon brings a slight decline to 8 at 2 PM, followed by a gradual decrease through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this trajectory, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, ensuring skin protection against harmful UV rays. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index starts off in the moderate range (3-6), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes in January and February, but decreases to 25 minutes in March. The high-risk months emerge from April to September, where the Index rises dramatically to the very high range (8-10), with a critical burn time dropping as low as 15 minutes in April, May, June, July, August, and September. October sees a decline back to a high UV Index (6), allowing for 25 minutes of exposure before burning, while November and December move back into moderate and low categories (4 and 2, respectively) with more forgiving burn times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly when the UV Index is at its peak in the summer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst Center | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |